State government had spent Rs.22.74 Crore on planting 1.22 Crore plants in Udaipur region in last three years. However, as per a report by an NGO People for Animal, not even the 30 percent of those trees are alive presently.

The data was disclosed by Babulal Jaju, an active social worker and state in charge of People for Animals. Jaju who is based in Bhilawara was speaking with local media today on his visit to Udaipur.

He alleged that a multi-million rupee scam has taken place under the name of Harit Rajasthan, a program to enhance greenery in Udaipur region.

Demanding CBI enquiry, Jaju said, “Crores of rupees invested in the project belong to common people and it is the matter of concern and investigation.”

Babulal Jaju questioned the statistics he received from the government department which says that in 2009-10 approximately 28,05,337 plants were planted, out of which 17,46,328 plants are said to be alive and total expense was Rs.10.52 Crore.

In 2010, 5,23,900 plants were planted but government didn’t disclose the number of alive plants. The expense was shown Rs.10.68 Crore.

In 2011-12, total 42,19,100 plants were planted and surprisingly 100 percent plants were said to be alive. Government spent Rs.1.57 Crore on these.

Claiming the data to be false and misleading, Jaju said that “If you look at the on-the-ground situation, not even the 30 percent of the plants are alive today due to lack of care and maintenance.”

“We demand strict action against the responsible officials and a recovery of all the money used in the project” said Babulal Jaju.

Speaking on illegal tree cutting through Saw Machine, Jaju said that there are 100 such machines used illegally in Udaipur and no action against them have been taken yet.