In a remarkable display of environmental stewardship, members of a nature enthusiasts' group in Kolkata have achieved their annual goal of planting 1,000 trees for the fourth consecutive year. The milestone was reached on Saturday, marking another successful chapter in the community's green initiative.
Sustained Green Effort Bears Fruit
The forum, known as Ecologic, based in New Town, completed this year's plantation drive by planting their 1,000th sapling on a patch of land in green verge number 8 within the BD block of New Town. Since beginning their mission in 2022, the dedicated group has now planted over 4,300 trees comprising various native species including neem, bakul, arjun, amlaki, jamun, palash, banyan, and radhachura.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the group's commitment to ensuring the survival and growth of their planted saplings. Through careful maintenance and protection measures, over 70% of the planted trees have successfully survived and continue to thrive. The forum employs various safeguarding techniques, with some plants temporarily marked and supported by bamboo sticks, while many others are protected with durable iron mesh nets.
Community Spirit Drives Environmental Change
The plantation initiative has brought together residents from across New Town, creating a sense of shared purpose and community engagement. Participants describe the experience as both enjoyable and fulfilling, emphasizing the satisfaction of contributing to societal well-being through environmental conservation.
Nisha Sahu, an active member of Ecologic, highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives, stating, "The quality of air is deteriorating everywhere, and Kolkata is not far away from Delhi in terms of AQI. We all need to preserve and spread greenery." Her comments underscore the growing concern about air quality in urban centers and the crucial role of green cover in mitigating pollution.
Personal Commitment Creates Lasting Impact
For many participants, the tree plantation drive represents an opportunity to make tangible contributions at a personal level. Siddhartha Banerjee, a senior citizen residing in New Town's BD block, shared his heartfelt experience, emphasizing the importance of individual effort.
"I strongly believe that citizen participation can bring about long-lasting change," Banerjee expressed. "I am so happy that a jamrul sapling that I nurtured at home found a place in the green verge close to my house and is protected." His testimony reflects the deep personal connection many residents have developed with the initiative.
The forum is now focusing its efforts on enhancing greenery in the green verges throughout New Town. The commitment of members like Aditi Mukherjee, who traveled early morning from Action Area II near Derozio College to Action Area I to participate in the 1,000th tree plantation celebrations, demonstrates the widespread enthusiasm for the cause.
"The green verges across New Town are an asset to this township," Mukherjee rightly observed, highlighting the value these green spaces add to urban living environments.
This consistent four-year effort by Ecologic stands as a shining example of how community-driven environmental initiatives can create meaningful, sustainable change in urban landscapes, offering hope and inspiration for other communities to follow suit in the crucial mission of preserving and expanding urban greenery.
