Kolkata, Jul 25 (IANS): The Indian Army will plant 5,000 saplings of various varieties on Sunday in a bid to augment the green cover in and around the vast expanse of Kolkata's Maidan - a five sq km open field.

The "Go Green Campaign" on the stretch, widely acclaimed as the 'Lungs of the City', is being undertaken by the Bengal Area of the Eastern Command, which has its headquarters Fort William in the area, said a defence ministry release Thursday.

The Eastern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Dalbir Singh, and the GOC Bengal Area, Lt. Gen. A.K. Choudhary, alongwith other officers, soldiers of the Kolkata Garrison and their families will plant the saplings, including medicinal and fruit bearing ones.

Students of the Army Public School and cadets from the National Cadet Corps from city schools and colleges will also participate in the programme. In addition, all the clubs located in the Maidan area - also regarded as the city's sports hub - will also contribute to the initiative.

The saplings, procured from West Bengal's forest and public works department, include trees like Neem, Arjun, Tabobuia, Therspesia, Margo, Jamun and several other dwarf trees.