The Haryana government, on Tuesday in an effort to promote environmental conservation awareness, decided to introduce a scheme where school children from class 6th to 12th of both government and private schools will be given Rs. 50 for planting a live tree every six months for a period of three years.

This decision was taken during a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to review the progress of environment-centric schemes in the state.

Along with this, the government also decided to alternate glass water bottles over plastic water bottles. This was decided with respect to the recent banning of the use of plastic water bottles by the state government across all its offices.

Students will be provided with books imparting knowledge on environment conservation.

According to NDTV reports, approximately 22 lakh are enrolled in classes 6 to 12 and each student will be motivated to plant at least one tree in their house or in a public space. Children would also be encouraged to name their trees after famous personalities or their ancestors to cultivate a sense of connection with their planted sapling.

The education department has also been directed to submit a weekly report to the chief minister about the progress achieved in this scheme. Several other environment-centric decisions were taken at the meeting to be implemented at administrative and panchayat level.

A decision was also taken to replace the existing halogen, sodium vapour bulbs and tube lights in all government offices with energy efficient LED lights before August 15.