Jatropha saplings destroyed in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR - Saplings of Jatropha, a rich source of bio-fuel, on about 9,200 hectares in Chhattisgarh were completely destroyed, Chief Minister Raman Singh Monday told the state assembly.

“Jatropha saplings planted between year 2006-2010 were completely destroyed in 9,198.88 hectares area whereas total saplings were planted in 39,540.356 hectares area in 2006, in 55,897.08 hectares area in year 2007, in 5,204.38 hectare in 2008 and just four hectare area last year while no sapling was planted this year till July 7,” Singh said in a written reply to Leader of Opposition Ravindra Choubey.

Singh said the state government had spent Rs.16,490.22 lakh on the Jatropha sapling plantation.