G.O.(Ms) No.129, Avenue Plantation under MGNREGS, 2017
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (CGS.1) Department issued Government Order G.O.(Ms) No.129 dated 10 November 2017, permitting avenue plantation along 10,000 kilometres of rural roads under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme during 2017-18. It approves an estimated cost of Rs.81.90 crore and sets guidelines for selecting roads, preparing estimates, planting trees and maintaining them.
What the government approved
Government Order G.O.(Ms) No.129 dated 10 November 2017 permits the planting of 20 lakh saplings along Panchayat roads, Panchayat Union roads and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana roads. The programme covers 10,000 kilometres and aims to provide shade and shelter, increase rural green cover, prevent soil erosion and support Village Panchayat revenue.
The approved estimate is Rs.81.90 crore. It includes Rs.71.70 crore for labour and Rs.10.20 crore for materials. Labour activities include pitting, planting, watering, weeding, manuring and maintenance for one year. Materials include tree guards and transportation.
Where and how planting is planned
The avenue plantation guidelines set the following priorities and limits:
- Block plantation should receive preference. Avenue plantation may be used where no suitable land or site is available, limited to one fourth of the total plantation proposed.
- One third of plantation should be in SC/ST habitations.
- Each Village Panchayat may have a maximum of two avenue plantation estimates.
- Road priority is Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana roads first, followed by Panchayat Union roads and Village Panchayat roads.
- Estimates must cover planting and watering for one year, with supplementary estimates for maintenance during the second and third years.
- Saplings are to be obtained from Block Nurseries in the 31 districts.
Road safety and site requirements
The avenue plantation guidelines require trees to be planted at least 0.5 metre beyond the toe of the roadway. Trees must remain clear of roadside drains and drainage structures, and their roots must not damage the carriageway or shoulders.
Planting must not obstruct branch road entrances, house entry gates or low lying electricity lines. A tree may be placed at the edge of an individual plot rather than in front of its gate. Only road lengths with adequate available width should be included in estimates.
Planting standards
The avenue plantation guidelines generally use 10 metre spacing, producing 100 plants on each side of one kilometre and 200 plants in total. Species should suit the soil and climate and reflect villagers' or farmers' preferences, in consultation with the Forest Department. Tree guards are mandatory until plants reach four feet in height, and saucer pits must be provided for every plant.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can trees be planted directly in front of my house gate?
No. The avenue plantation guidelines say trees should not be placed in front of a house entry gate, although they may be planted at the edge of an individual plot.
Which rural roads receive priority for avenue plantation?
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana roads receive first priority, followed by Panchayat Union roads and then Village Panchayat roads.
How far should a planted tree be from the roadway?
Trees should be planted at least 0.5 metre beyond the toe of the roadway and must not create a safety hazard or affect required sight distance.
Who maintains the planted trees?
The approved work includes watering, weeding, manuring and maintenance for one year. The guidelines also require supplementary estimates for maintenance during the second and third years.
