Climate change presents a dire challenge, but it also inspires extraordinary action. In India, one such initiative is a nationwide plantation drive spearheaded by the Vrikshit Foundation in partnership with DCB Bank. This ambitious campaign aims to plant trees across 25 Indian cities, promoting a greener future for generations to come.
The 25-city plantation drive is an act of both symbolism and practical impact. Trees play an irreplaceable role in combating climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, purify the air, mitigate urban heat, and foster biodiversity. According to the World Economic Forum, afforestation – establishing a forest on land not previously forested – is one of the most effective means of tackling climate change.
The program covers various geographical regions, from bustling metropolises like Mumbai and Delhi to smaller cities like Bikaner and Muzaffarpur. The first phase has successfully seen trees planted in Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Delhi, Bikaner, Kanpur, Jaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Mathura, Lucknow, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Mohali, Ranchi, Jamshedpur. The coming weeks will see the plantation drive reach Jammu, Bhilwara, Jalandhar, Gorakhpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Pune, and Surat.
Going Beyond Planting: Unique Initiatives for Lasting Change
The Vrikshit Foundation and DCB Bank are taking this initiative beyond simply planting trees. They are implementing unique and impactful projects in each location:
• Gurugram: A barren land is being transformed into a thriving park, providing a valuable green space for the community.
• Amritsar: The grounds of a government school have been revitalized with a diverse cover of plants, enhancing the learning environment for students.
• Patna: The plantation drive contributed to the government’s ambitious Namami Gange Project, promoting the cleanliness and rejuvenation of the Ganges River.
• Mathura: The Krishna Janmabhoomi Worship Area, a sacred site, received the gift of new trees, fostering a harmonious connection between nature and spirituality.
• Muzaffarpur: An Ethnol Factory’s empty land were transformed into a forest cover with two hundred plants.
Community Engagement: A Collaborative Approach
Intending to plant over 5000 trees, planting is just the first step, and they are taking responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the trees, ensuring their survival and continued contribution to a greener future. The initiative actively engages local citizens and civil societies, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environmental well-being of their communities. This collaborative approach is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the planted trees and the overall success of the program.
With the majority of the plantations being organised in educational institutes, they are trying to spark a sense of responsibility towards the environment and nation-building.
Image credit: Special arrangement from Vrikshit Foundation