Puri: The state government has directed the district and Forest officials to strengthen the coastal areas vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclone and ingress of sea water with afforestation and other nature-friendly measures.
During a visit to Puri on Saturday, chief secretary Suresh Mohapatra reviewed the afforestation programme in Astarang, Kakatpur, Puri-Konark Marine Drive, National Highway, Puri-Satapada road, confluence of rivers and other seaside areas in the district.
He directed the officials to plant the saplings of cyclone-resistant trees like banyan, eucalyptus, peepal and casuarina in the coastal areas. He also told them to protects the banks with sand wall and take measures to prevent soil erosion in the places which face ingress of sea water.
It was revealed at the meeting that 1,78,375 saplings have been planted in the district and over 14,600 saplings distributed for plantation. It has been targeted to plant 6,85,250 saplings this year, the forest officials said.
Among others, Puri collector Samarth Verma, DFO P Ramaswami, additional collector Pradip Kumar Sahu and officials from Irrigation department participated in the meeting.
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