Envisaged to counter the ill effects of rapid urbanisation, the project will be implemented with the help of the business fraternity, residents associations and NGOs.

“Initially, the Corporation will plant 5000 saplings each in 10 selected divisions. It will be extended to other divisions too,” said Kochi Corporation Town Planning Committee member P S Viju.

The Corporation had launched similar green initiatives earlier as well. But none of them succeeded due to the negligence in conserving trees.

Viju said that learning from the past experiences, the Corporation will give special focus on protecting the saplings being planted now.

“We have reached a consensus with the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Kerala Merchants’ Union who will help preserve the saplings. The Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) and the Residents Apex Council of Ernakulam (RACE) have also offered their support to maintain the greenery in the city,” Viju said.

Medicinal plants, including neem saplings, will be distributed to households through various residents associations. Viju said that the Corporation had decided to encourage planting of saplings in urban industries and in schools and colleges.

“We are also looking at preserving various tree gardens and old trees in the city besides nurturing new ones,” he said.

A tree survey will begin on June 5 with the help of the students of Rajagiri College. “The survey will help the civic body to identify old trees and their species. As trees alone can sequester carbon dioxide, we need to plant as well as protect the trees,” Viju said.