NAMAKKAL: Over 7 lakh tree saplings were planted in different parts of Namakkal district till date as part of the massive sapling plantation project of the district administration, Collector U. Sagayam said. Objective Inaugurating a sapling plantation programme in Mohanur block here on Tuesday, the Collector said that the administration had decided to plant about 1 crore saplings in the district. The primary objective of the project was to make people realise the need for protecting the environment and develop a better understanding with the nature. Green cover The increase in the green cover would help the people in a number of ways. People should realise their responsibility to protect the Mother Nature. They should join hands and volunteer to increase the green cover. Every family in the district should plant saplings in their homes, he stressed. Students, members of voluntary organisations, self-help groups, elected representatives and officials were roped in for the implementation of the project. Saplings were being planted on the government lands, educational institutions and roadsides, he said. Mr. Sagayam wanted the younger generation to come forward to promote the programme. Cooperation All sections of the society should cooperate with the district administration for the successful implementation of the project, he said. Over 750 school and college students participated in the function and planted saplings.