Chandigarh: The UT engineering department will spend nearly Rs 1 crore to fill plantation gaps along five city roads. The horticulture wing has floated a tender worth over Rs 95 lakh for planting shrubs and trees, along with installing tree guards, on Purv Marg, Dakshin Marg, Vikas Marg, Route No. 2 (NH‑21), and Paschim Marg. The work is to be completed within two months.Officials said this forms part of the city’s annual plantation drive. “This year’s plantation drive is primarily focusing on gap plantation, particularly by the municipal corporation and engineering department. Roadsides and open spaces will be comprehensively covered. All plantation gaps across the city will be saturated to achieve 100% coverage,” a UT official said.Plantation in educational institutions will be utility‑oriented, with produce to be used for mid‑day meals wherever feasible. Chandigarh Police will also explore plantation activities along the boundaries of various campuses, including the IRB Battalion premises and police training institutes.Last year, 6,64,133 saplings were planted against a target of 5,76,221. For 2026–27, the target has been set at 4,10,725 saplings, along with distributions.
