Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) is to bring grownup trees to restore the lost forest cover by carrying out a massive plantation drive, which was earlier destroyed due to ongoing construction work in Sikharchandi hill on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, an official said today.

Around 10,000 trees will be brought from Rajahmundry of Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore.

The transportation cost of trees by road has been estimated to be around Rs 1 crore. The trees of nearly 10 to 12 feet in height are Neem, Arjun, Ashoka, Karanja, Kadamb, Jamun, Amla and Rakta Chandan.

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“We have been asked to carry out a plantation drive on a patch of land measuring around five acres. At least 10,000 trees will be brought at a total cost of Rs 2.5 crore. Each truck-load of will consist 430 trees. The grown-up trees will be planted at a gap of 2.5 metres and be given fertilizers and organic manures to facilitate quick growth. Two JCB and a stone-cutting machine have been engaged for the purpose. The trees will be planted during the rainy season and taken care of,” an OFDC official expressed.

Notably, acting on a request of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in this regard, the OFDC is to restore a lost forest cover in Sikharchandi hill. A team of OFDC officials has already visited the land where trees are to be planted and demarcated an area for the purpose. The massive plantation drive will start soon, a senior official of OFDC who visited the site expressed.