Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has launched a mega plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” at multiple locations across the erstwhile Vizag district as part of the Swachhata Campaign 4.0 and Swachhata Hi Seva 2024. The port’s target is to plant an ambitious one million saplings over the next three years.

Following VPA’s request in this regard, Visakhapatnam district authorities are extending full support to the programme, involving all government departments, NGOs, schools and colleges in the mission.

To ensure that the plantation drive is a success, a review meeting is being held every Thursday at the district collector’s office involving all key stakeholders. The responsibility of overseeing maintenance of the saplings planted has been assigned to the District Water Management Agency.

As part of the first phase, which will end in March 2025, VPA has been providing 3.5 lakh saplings. There are being distributed through GVMC, VMRDA, forest department, industries, schools and colleges.

In the second phase, till the end of fiscal year 2025–26, another 3.5 lakh saplings will be provided. In the final phase, the remaining saplings will be distributed, thereby ensuring that the entire one million saplings are planted within three years.

VPA has already planted 21,000 saplings in various agency schools. In collaboration with NGOs, 50,000 saplings have been planted in and around Visakhapatnam city.

The saplings planted include those of fruit-bearing species like mango, sapota, custard apple, coconut and tamarind, along with forest species such as neem, almond, kadamba, delonix and mahogany.