New Delhi, June 4 (IANS): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will plant 22 lakh saplings to augment the country's green canopy on the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday.

The CRPF personnel at all its units will take part in the drive amid the rising clamour for ecological protection and preservation.

The force has decided to add various green initiatives to its profile, according to CRPF DIG M. Dhinakaran. "The force has ensured that all its campuses remain plastic free, especially the single-use plastic," he said.

The CRPF has initiated vermi-composting at 40 of its group centres, set up sewage treatment plants in many of its formations and is focusing on use of solar energy.

Many of its residential complexes and offices have been harnessing solar energy to supplement their daily energy requirement in addition to in-campus street lighting.

The CRPF has also been making several initiative, like water harvesting, to conserve water. In fact, the 195 Bn deployed at Dantewada in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh earned the accolade when it was declared as the 'Waterheroes' for January 2020 under the Centre's Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

The unit has been helping the water-stressed people of this naxal-affected and one of the most backward regions of the country through simple interventions, like rainwater harvesting, water conservation and use of potable water.

As part of its environmental initiative, the CRPF has green lighted procurement of its new fleet of vehicles with ecologically compliant Bharat Stage VI.

The green concerns are also well echoed in the eco-friendly architectural model of its upcoming headquarters at Lodhi Road, here. The structure will factor in several green features, like solar energy, energy efficient architecture, eco-friendly construction materials and water conservation.