Bengal to plant 5cr mangrove trees in Sundarbans: CM

Kolkata, June 3 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced that the state government will plant 5 crore mangrove trees in Amphan-hit Sundarbans region within one month.

Banerjee said that it is important to protect the natural mangrove cover in the region that protects people and the wildlife living in the biodiversity reserve.

"Natural mangrove cover in Sundarbans is a beautiful thing. We have decided to plant 5 crore mangrove trees in the region within one month starting from the World Environment Day observed on June 5," the Chief Minister said.

Banerjee said the state environment department would carry out the mangrove plantation activity.

A large part of Sundarbans, spanning across Kolkata's adjoining South 24-Parganas and North 24-Parganas district, was severely battered due to cyclone Amphan on May 20.