Besides, around 18,000 saplings were planted that day in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Italy and Belgium by sect followers residing there.

'The response was so overwhelming as thousands of sect followers thronged to participate in this drive. Seeing their enthusiasm, we have decided to make it an annual event - to plant at least 50 lakh saplings every year on Aug 15.'

According to sect leaders, over 24 lakh saplings were planted in Punjab, over 32 lakh in Haryana, 400,000 in Rajasthan, 500,000 in Uttar Pradesh and 200,000 in Delhi Saturday.

The sect's chief is accused of the rape and murder of a 'sadhvi' (female follower).

The sect has thousands of followers in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and is headquartered at Sirsa town in Haryana, some 280 km from here.