Railways rope in states for plantation along tracks

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) The Indian Railways is roping in the forest departments of Haryana and Punjab for planting trees on railway land alongside tracks. The zonal railways have also been asked to replicate the model in their regions, officials said on Wednesday.

The railways has set a target of five lakh trees to be planted this season.

As per the agreement between the railways and the state forest departments, the latter would be responsible for the plantation as well as maintenance and disposal of trees, "thus bringing in the much needed expertise in afforestation".

The forested land would not be declared as protected forest and can be used for developmental projects or other railway work, officials said, adding that this will also protect the railway land from encroachment.