Monday, 08 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Tree plantation has become a routine activity carried out during the monsoon season each year. However, activists, citizens and the current situation on the ground indicate that tree plantation initiatives during this period have become more of a formality than a serious activity having an actual effect on the ground. Annually during the festival of Harela, the government urges all individuals to participate in tree plantation drives. This year, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated the importance of large-scale plantation during the monsoon, particularly on the occasion of Harela which will be observed on July 16. In light of this, experts have highlighted that rather than focusing solely on tree plantation, the government should prioritise understanding the significance of preserving existing trees.
In 2019, when Trivendra Singh Rawat was the chief minister of Uttarakhand, he emphasised tree plantation specifically at the Rispana river’s source in Dehradun during Harela. However, such initiatives have consistently fallen short due to a lack of maintenance post-implementation.
The Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD) president Himanshu Arora said that there are numerous development projects of the State government that include deforestation as a significant component. Arora emphasised that CFGD will not be participating in any plantation drives this year, as planting trees during the Harela festival will only lead to those trees being cut down by the State government for development projects. He stressed that the State government should prioritise excluding deforestation from development projects rather than focusing solely on planting activities. So far, numerous trees in Dehradun have been cleared solely for development purposes. Arora pointed out that finding suitable sites for plantation within the city is challenging, as most potential areas have been covered with tiles and cement.
Further, founder of Maiti Andolan, Kalyan Singh Rawat told this correspondent that the government should not only plant trees but also ensure their longevity. Looking at the State’s development over the years, it is evident that there has been significant progress at the expense of greenery. A healthy environment eliminates the necessity of planting trees. If the government undertakes tree planting, it is imperative that they comprehend the importance of preserving and safeguarding them over time. He emphasised that rather than waiting for Harela, the government should commence tree plantation as soon as the monsoon season starts, celebrating each day as Harela and planting trees.
Considering this, he further added that this year he has initiated a project to plant 5,000 trees in the mountainous regions across the State during the monsoon. Many local citizens are expected to participate and ensure the maintenance of the trees they plant for an extended period.
