Question : Sankalp Parva

(a) whether the Government has decided to celebrate ‘Sankalp Parva’ and if so, the details thereof and the objective behind the move;

(b) whether the Government has identified the trees which represent the herbal heritage of the country and if so, the details thereof

(c) the steps taken by the Government to facilitate the availability of saplings of these trees to people for plantation;

(d) the funds allocated by the Government for this purpose;

(e) whether the Government has created awareness programme for Sankalp Parva and if so, the details thereof ; and

(f) the target fixed by the government for tree plantation under Sankalp Parva?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM

(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (f) Yes, Sir. On the clarion call of the Hon’ble PM, Ministry of Culture initiated a drive of ‘Sankalp Parva” from 28th June to 12th July 2020 with objective to create clean/ healthy environment of the country. The Ministry recommended to plant saplings of five trees viz (i) Bargad (ii) Awla (iii) Peepal (iv) Ashok (v) Bel which were identified as herbal heritage of the country. Ministry requested all its Attached, Subordinate offices and Autonomous Organizations to plant saplings in its office premises/ campus or at the surroundings wherever possible. No separate fund was allocated towards the drive by the Ministry. Ministry through various social media gave publicity to the programme. It was ensured that each employee of the Ministry plants at least one sapling during 28th June, to 12th July, 2020. During this drive total 11,442 saplings were planted by the officers/ officials of Ministry and its Attached, Subordinate Offices and Autonomous Organizations in office premises or wherever possible.