The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has decided to involve common man in the conservation of green cover. With the intent to promote societies to take up green initiatives, it has decided to introduce tax incentives and sops to the societies.

 A meeting was held in this regard and the idea may be presented for the approval of the general body soon. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the newly elected tree authority wherein it was decided to take measures to bring in more transparency of the authority and involve the common man in protecting the green cover.

Civic chief Sanjeev Jaiswal urged the residents to adopt gardens as well as the trees planted on road and footpaths in their respective areas. As a token of appreciation, some tax incentives would be given to the society, provided it gets approval in the next meeting.

 A senior staff said that when the project is incentivized, more people will join in tree plantation and conservation or any other sustained initiative to improve the green cover in the city.

Meanwhile, 25,000 trees will be added to the cityscape in the coming months.  Some trees would be transplanted for accommodating civic works in various parts of the city while new others would be planted in places where transplantation is not possible.

 Jaiswal also said that the ambit of the tree authority would be expanded to  include conservation of gardens and lakes in the city limits."The tree authority isn't limited just to decide on chopping or trimming permissions but has to involve a holistic approach towards conservation of the green cover in the city. We will also take up issues related to safeguarding the green patch and water bodies of the city," said Jaiswal.