AURANGABAD: In a bid to increase the state's forest cover to 33% as prescribed under the National Forest Policy, the social forestry department (Marathwada) will launch the fortnight-long 'Harit Maharashtra Abhiyan' on Friday to spread awareness about the issue. Praveen Srivastava, chief conservator of forests and deputy director general, social forestry department, Marathwada region, said, "In its decision taken on January 22, the state government envisages bringing 33% of the land under green cover. With just 5-6% forest cover, Marathwada poses a challenge for all the environmentalists. To harness energy of all the stakeholders and enthusiasts, the department is organizing fortnight-long drive to spread awareness among all sections of society. Besides, we would be distributing seedlings to all those who are interested in making their neighbourhood green." "The social forestry department will be distributing about 40 lakh saplings this year. Germinating seedlings, upsurge of earthworms, flight of butterflies and moths symbolize celebration of life process. Nature — be in the form of trees, shrubs, grasses, insects, reptiles, birds and other sub-terrain animals — engages in procreation and creation of life. Rainwater vitalizes life element that exudes activity everywhere," he said. "For Marathwada, the season plays a crucial role, as there is opportunity to absorb every raindrop. Over the entire region spread over eight districts, the department hopes to plant nearly 40-45 lakh seedlings this year. The government has already declared free distribution of seedlings to sensitize people about expanding green cover in their neighbourhood. Seedlings are available in Gulshan Nursery in the city and Kannad, Gangapur, Sillod and Soyegaon talukas in the rural areas. They are also available at every district headquarters and in most of the talukas," Srivastava said. He urged all the citizens, educational and industrial institutions, NGOs, media houses, universities and colleges, housing societies, central and state departments and their undertakings to communicate their demands regarding seedlings. "The department would be pleased to extend their cooperation to any such activity in any part of the region. Any information about plantation or seedlings is available with each district," he added.