Chandigarh, Jun 27 (UNI) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday initiated a tree plantation drive as

per the directions of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the drive aims to plant 1.25 lakh plants across the state by the end of next month.

Senior party leaders Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Hira Singh Gabhria initiated the plantation drive

at the party headquarters here by planting several trees in the compound of the party office. The

party had earlier sought the permission of Takht to postpone the drive due heat wave conditions

and will now conduct the same during the monsoon season.

Speaking to newsmen, Dr Cheema said the party had written to party functionaries in all districts

and requested them to conduct the plantation drive by planting saplings at common places besides encouraging people to plant saplings in private premises also.

“The party has also asked the functionaries to procure saplings for distribution and hold camps for the same. Teams of volunteers should also be assigned the duty of maintaining the plants in the initial phase”, he said adding “the SAD is fully committed to ensuring the directive of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is implemented successfully”.

Reports of the initiation of the plantation drive were also received from Ropar and Patiala besides other places. The drive is expected to gain in momentum in the next few days.

UNI GS RKM