Bihar government has decided to use the funds being allocated for the centrally-sponsored MNREGA schemes for expansion of green cover and increasing the number of plants and tress, besides development of forest areas, deputy chief minister S K Modi said.

Under the MNREGA provisions, priority would be accorded for soil related works utilising funds for digging big and small ponds, then the money under the central flagship scheme be used for the purpose of plantation as Bihar had hardly 9.89 per cent of the total geographical area having green cover, Modi said.

"We have decided to implement the provisions on June five coinciding with the environment day celebrations", Modi said adding these would come in handy in giving employment to unemployed families in rural areas even during rainy season.

The plantation would also ensure jobs for 100 days for protection and upkeep of the plants and trees, he said.

Modi informed that a sum of Rs 3600 crore would be spent under under MNREGA with due attention to increasing the green cover.

Modi, who also holds the portfolio of forest and environment, said the state government had decided to undertake a massive afforestation driver by planting 10 core trees and saplings in Bihar in one year.

Chief Minister would kick start the campaign here on June five, he said adding "our motto is to increase the green cover from 9.89 per cent of the geographical area to 15 per cent in next five years".

"We will use MNREGA and ensure that 6000 trees are planted every year in every panchayat and a group of MNREGA beneficiaries will be pressed into service for the looking after every 200 trees earmarked for them", he said.

Several other steps would also be taken for use of MNREGA for increasing the green cover and afforestation related works, Modi added.