G.O. (Ms.) No. 18, Plantation of 70 lakh saplings under MGNREGS 2023-24, 2024
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (CGS1) Department issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 18, dated 1 February 2024, granting administrative sanction to plant 70 lakh saplings in rural areas under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme 2023-24. The programme has a total estimated cost of Rs.275 crore and covers suitable public and institutional locations, subject to Gram Sabha approval and the prescribed plantation guidelines.
What the government order does
G.O. (Ms.) No. 18 of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (CGS1) Department, dated 1 February 2024, approves a large rural tree plantation programme intended to increase green cover and address climate change. The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department will plant 70 lakh saplings through Block Nurseries, including provision for saplings, 10 per cent casualties, pitting, planting and transportation.
The programme may be implemented with non-governmental organisations and industrial establishments. The approved estimated cost is Rs.275 crore, although the actual estimate may vary according to site conditions and the applicable Public Works Department Schedule of Rate.
Land and locations covered
The plantation guidelines allow work at:
- Common land.
- Government institutions.
- Schools and colleges.
- Parks and other suitable areas.
- Forest areas.
- Government lands, institutional premises and roadsides.
A Gram Sabha resolution must be obtained for every selected work. Each work must also be entered separately in Register No. 2 maintained under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by the village panchayat concerned.
Sites should be selected after considering soil type, climate, water availability, drainage and sunlight. Preference must be given to locations close to natural water sources such as ponds and kulams. Where no natural source is available, a water source such as a pipeline extension or borewell must be provided from other available funds. Permanent water sources at block plantation sites may be funded through specified Finance Commission, Panchayat Union or Village Panchayat resources.
Funding and implementation requirements
The approved financial structure is:
- Labour component, Rs.268.70 crore, fully borne by the Government of India.
- Material component, Rs.6.30 crore, shared between the Government of India and the State Government in the ratio of 75:25.
- Total Central share, Rs.273.43 crore.
- Total State share, Rs.1.57 crore.
The notified wage rate issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, must be used. Estimates and administrative and technical sanctions must be processed through SECURE software. A Citizen Information Board measuring 3 feet by 4 feet must be installed at each work site, at a fixed cost of Rs.4,500 per unit for community works and assets.
The Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj must instruct District Collectors, except Chennai District, and submit periodic progress reports to the Government. Financial sanction depends on release and receipt of the corresponding Central share.
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Common questions
Can saplings be planted on my privately owned land under this programme?
The listed locations are common land, government institutions, schools, colleges, parks, forest areas, government lands, institutional premises and roadsides. Privately owned plots are not included in the listed locations.
Does the village need to approve a plantation site?
Yes. A Gram Sabha resolution must be obtained for every selected work, and the work must be entered separately in the village panchayat's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme Register No. 2.
Who pays for the plantation programme?
The Government of India bears the full labour cost and 75 per cent of the material cost. The State Government bears 25 per cent of the material cost.
What happens if a plantation site has no nearby water source?
A water source such as a pipeline extension or borewell must be provided from other available funds. Permanent water sources must be created at block plantation sites using available specified local or Finance Commission funds.
