RANGAMATI. June 5: In order to contain ecological balance and to encourage afforestation tn the personal as well as other government and private sectors, the different offices of the local Forest Directorate have started distribution of about 27 lakh quality saplings among the interested planters of Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

Of those, Chittagong Hill Tracts South Forest Division-5 lakh. Rangamati Jhoom Control Divisions-3 Ihkh, Khagrachharl Forest Dlvislon-2 lakh. Chittagong Forest Division-9 lakh, Cox's Bazar Forest Division-4 lakh and 3 forest divisions in Bundarbun Hill District will distribute more 4 lakh saplings to implement the call of the Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in planting trees with a view to save the environment. The saplings made ready for distribution among the Interested planters in the different nurseries of the Forest Directorate included both fruit-bearing and timber valued trees, officials said.

Another report says: Forest Committee of the Local Government Council of Rangamati Hill District has taken up a programme to distribute about 1.25 lakh saplings worth Taka five lakh, official sources said

The saplings will be dis tributed among schools, madrashas and colleges of every thana In the district free of cost to protect the environment.

The decision was taken in a regular meeting of the Council held on Sunday (May 30).

The council will take necessary steps to nurture the saplings.