VOA kicks off campaign to revive green cover

Tribune News service

Amritsar, July 4

Voice of Amritsar (VOA) kick started its campaign to revive the green belt that declined because of chopping off of trees in big numbers for the BRTS project. Volunteers of the NGO and its associates gathered to plant 50-odd shady trees in the barren green belt area in front of the main market in Ranjit Avenue today.

The campaign, a part of a celebration of Amritsar Foundation Day in association with Eco Amritsar and VOA, will continue plantation drives in other areas as well during the week ahead. Dr Rakesh Sharma, founder president of VOA, said the campaign was an offshoot of its previous eco-initiatives like One Child One Tree and the Dustbin Campaign aimed at creating awareness and encouraging citizen participation in improving the city’s environment.

“People from various walks of life participated in the campaign and promised to help VOA revive the depleted green belt of the city of Amritsar. Areas earmarked for plantation and greenery in and around the vicinity of commercial joints and residential areas will be taken up for a vigorous plantation drive this season,” said Seenu Arora , president, VOA. He said a general survey of the city had been done to identify green belts which had been left unattended for ages.

It was emphasised to plant more shady trees like Alstonia , Neem , Mango , Jamun, Kadam , Gulmohar and Cassia for much-needed respite from the scorching sun. “Such trees need less post-plantation care and can be brought up with very few hassles,” said Mandeep Singh, a VOA executive. Some of the members living in the vicinity of this area were given the ownership of all the trees planted today and it was pledged to give good after care to them.