In a first, GNDU re-plants 20-year-old tree uprooted in storm on campus

Horticulture experts and staff at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) came together to re-plant a 20-year-old tree on its campus. An effort that took four days of work, the university’s Landscape Department, along with its dedicated team of gardeners, worked hard for a week to replant the tree, carefully securing its roots in a deep pit. The tree near the Lecture Theatre Complex was uprooted during a powerful storm a few days back. Landscape Officer Gurwinder Singh shared that the effort was guided by Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh, a passionate environmentalist.

Gurwinder Singh said that at GNDU, cutting down trees, plants or creepers is strictly prohibited. “Even fallen leaves and branches are not burnt; instead, they are turned into compost for medicinal and other uses. A dedicated department works tirelessly to support these efforts. Re-planting the uprooted tree is difficult but not impossible. Since this one was not a very large tree and was relatively young, the root network was not entirely damaged,” he said. The pit was filled with nutrient-rich soil and watered properly to ensure that the weakened roots gain strength.

Dr Karamjeet Singh hailed the efforts by the staff and said that it reflects the university’s commitment towards its green, sustainable campus status. “Saving the environment and trees is our shared responsibility. In today’s challenging times, when the environment faces serious threats, trees play a vital role in keeping our surroundings beautiful and healthy. If storms have uprooted trees anywhere, try to replant them. If needed, you can seek guidance from GNDU’s experts on restoring fallen trees. Our doors are always open for environmental protection.”

Environmentalists and locals have praised GNDU’s initiative, which not only contributes to environmental conservation but also inspires other institutions and individuals to act. “If you save one, you are acting now to mitigate the challenge of deforestation and dwindling green cover. You are telling others that it’s worth the effort,” said Gurwinder Singh.