55 more trees in Karnal get heritage tag under ‘Pran Vayu Devta’ scheme

The Forest Department has identified 55 more trees in Karnal district that are over 75 years old, qualifying them for special status under the ‘Pran Vayu Devta’ scheme. These trees will be proposed for official designation as “heritage trees,” with a pension of Rs 3,000 annually allocated to each owner for the conservation and upkeep of these ecological giants.

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The proposal has already been sent to higher authorities for approval. With this, the number of heritage trees in the district is set to rise from the existing 112, which are already being maintained under the scheme.

District Forest Officer (DFO) Pawan Sharma said the initiative aims to reward and raise awareness about the invaluable ecological services offered by old trees.

“We have conducted a fresh survey in the district and found 55 additional trees that have exceeded the age of 75 years. These trees were identified by the district-level committee after verifying the claims filed by applicants seeking the pension under the Pran Vayu Devta scheme,” the DFO stated.

The ‘Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme’ was launched on World Environment Day, June 5, 2021, by then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar — now Union Power Minister. The scheme seeks to highlight the significance of elderly trees that not only provide shade, shelter and oxygen but also help reduce pollution.

“The name ‘Pran Vayu Devta’ is appropriate for the scheme, as such large and old trees contribute significantly to a cleaner environment by generating oxygen, which is essential for life,” said Sharma.

He also mentioned that pujas are held for these trees every year on Environment Day in collaboration with local residents and tree owners, reinforcing the cultural and ecological value of these natural assets.

So far, around 4,000 trees over the age of 75 have been identified across the state, with each being granted an annual pension under the initiative.