City all set to go environment-friendly

VADODARA, July 2: Gujarat this year is all set to celebrate the vanmahotsav, but in a different way. Thought the annual ceremonial function ...

VADODARA, July 2: Gujarat this year is all set to celebrate the vanmahotsav, but in a different way. Thought the annual ceremonial function has already been held at the State Forest Department headquarters in Gandhinagar on June 26, the district units will now work out and implement various novel plans to grow more trees in their respective areas and preserve the environment during the next eight days

.Talking to Express Newsline, Vadodara Forest Circle Conservator C N Pandey, Wildlife Circle Chief Meera Agrawal and Social Forestry Deputy Conservator G S Pandey, said they had already initiated talks with various private and government agencies, including schools and offices, and would offer sapling plantations as well as green fencing around their campus.

According to them, the department will this time go to people’s doorstep, unlike in the past, when people had to approach it.

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These saplings, which are long-lasting and require minimum care, include gulmohar, (red flower), garmallo, (cassiafistula), Ashok, Badam, Jamun, sitaful, Anar, (dadam) and Neem. The saplings will be sold at stalls put up by the department at various points in the city at less than Re 1. “Besides, buyers and environment-lovers will be educated about the proper handling, transporting and growing of these species, which are suitable for Vadodara’s soil and climate”, said C N Pandey.

He observed that most of the people in urban areas were not aware of the fact that trees gave back all it absorbed from the environment, but only after a particular period of growth. “Unfortunately, trees are felled before that particular stage,” he regretted.

The officials added that industries, representatives of housing societies and school managements were being encouraged to go green from this year. According to Agrawal, her department was also finalising special camps among youths to create awareness.

State Forest department Principal Chief Conservator A P Mishra, who is also contributing greatly towards the cause, said the department was “very reluctantly selecting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and involving only those genuinely interested in the celebration this year. We also want the younger generation and the general public to put their shoulder to the wheel now.” The department was also keen to involve other social fora including religious organisations this year, he added.

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Interestingly, the department, for the first time, has formed monitoring teams to follow up the initiatives and ensure proper growth of the saplings planted,” he said.