Green drive to be hit as saplings turn costly

Kozhikode: The department of social forestry has decided to increase the price for saplings of indigenous tree species for distribution from the forest department nurseries by almost three fold, inviting protest from greens, forest staff and the general public.

The order of the state government issued the other day says that the price of saplings has been increased from Rs 6 to Rs 17 for individuals who buy it from the nursery of the forest department. Till last year the price was Rs 2 up to first 10 saplings and '6 for each additional sapling.

The order sent from the forest headquarters down the line on April 22, says that the rate of plants issued for afforestation drive under Haritha Keralam project outside forest zones has been revised as the cost of production was much high.

The order was issued in tune with a letter of principal chief conservator of forests (social forestry) on March 23.

Kerala River protection Committee general secretary T.V. Rajan told DC that by increasing the price the forest department is keeping out the real nature lovers from the benefits. “Those who approach a nursery in person to buy plants would be the real nature lover who wants to take care of the plant”, he added.

Maximum they can increase it up to '10 for those who buy more than 10, he said, adding that it is also against the spirit of the project. With the forest officials also up in arms against the increase, the department is confused over the move.
However, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social forestry) P.K. Pathak told DC that the price is yet to be finalised. We have submitted an action plan to the government with the revised rates. “It is up to the government to finalise the price which may not be revised,” he added.