To mark World Environment Day, Dr Inderpal Singh Sandhu, president of Sarbat Da Bhala Sanstha, in collaboration with the Integrated Research and Development Foundation (IRDF), launched a plantation drive at Kahangarh Road on Friday. The initiative saw the planting of 500 saplings on two kanals of land provided by Hardeep Singh Waraich in his native village near Samana, with the goal of developing a mini forest and enhancing the local green cover.
Call for Environmental Warriors
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sandhu urged citizens across Punjab to become 'environmental warriors' by planting trees and nurturing them to self-sustainability. He emphasized that trees are vital for water conservation, groundwater recharge, and ecological balance, noting that every component of biodiversity is interconnected. Expressing concern over Punjab's low forest cover, he called for urgent, large-scale afforestation efforts.
Agricultural Diversification and Native Species
Dr Ranjodh Singh Bains, secretary of the Punjab State Farmers and Farm Workers Commission, highlighted the need for agricultural diversification to ease stress on the state's depleting groundwater. He advocated for sustainable farming and the planting of native tree species to combat climate change. Echoing these sentiments, Romanpreet Singh of the Roundglass Foundation underlined the urgency of expanding Punjab's green canopy. Referencing the foundation's 'Billion Tree Programme', he called for restoring barren lands with indigenous species to strengthen biodiversity.
Psychological and Ecological Benefits
Dr Sukhvinder Singh, Executive Director of IRDF, elaborated on the organization's commitment to environmental conservation and rural rejuvenation. He added that trees also provide crucial aesthetic and psychological benefits, acting as a source of peace and well-being. The event underscored the interconnectedness of all biodiversity components and the urgent need for afforestation and water conservation in Punjab.
