Ranchi, Jul 2 (IANS): Nine lakh saplings were planted on Monday on a river bank in Jharkhand under the leadership of Chief Minister Raghubar Das.

He kicked off the 'Nadi Mahotsav' on the banks of the Subarnarekha river in the state. The plantation drive will conclude on August 2.

Addressing a gathering he stressed that "Today simultaneously nine lakh trees will be planted across the river banks as it will help check soil erosion and provide groundwater to the trees."

He said: "This year the forest department has set a target to plant 2.40 crore saplings on 15,300 hectares of land and rejuvenate 7,000 acres of forest land. Last year 2.75 crore saplings were planted on 19,700 hectares of land and 4,600 hectares of forest land was rejuvenated."

He asked the people to make it a people's movement and urged them to join the drive to make Jharkhand clean and green.

"Trees have played a vital role in both science and spirituality. Even from an economic point of view, trees have their own importance. By planting trees like Sal, Sagwan, Forest, and Teak, future expenditure can be meted out," said the Chief Minister.

He added that, to provide adequate food to elephants the forest department has set a target to also rejuvenate bamboo plantation on 1,450 acres of land so that elephants can get adequate food within the forest itself and they do not venture into human habitats.