Sirsa worships 'pran vayu devtas' to mark World Environment Day

To mark World Environment Day, the Forest Department in Sirsa on Thursday organised a unique event, worshipping trees that are over 75 years old.

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These trees were honoured as ‘pran vayu devtas’.

Special ceremonies were held at 12 locations across the district, where villagers and department officials participated in large numbers.

Tree plantation drives were carried out in various areas. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Lakshit Sareen planted a sapling at the Shri Sarsai Nath Temple, while SDM Dabwali Arpit Sangal joined local sports teams at Dabwali Stadium to plant trees.

Both officials urged the public to plant more trees and take care of them to help protect the environment. “Everyone should plant at least one tree every year. Taking care of plants is just as important as planting them,” said the ADC.

Forest Officer Satish Kumar shared details about a special scheme launched by the state government. Under the Pran Vayu Devta Scheme, an annual maintenance amount of Rs 3,000 per tree is allotted for trees older than 75 years. The scheme applies to trees on private or village land, not on government land.

In a survey held in 2023-24, 287 trees were identified in Sirsa district in this regard.

Another survey under the scheme is underway, and 80 more trees have been found eligible so far.

“The purpose of this scheme is to raise awareness and encourage people to take care of old trees,” said the Forest Officer. “These trees give us life by cleaning the air, and they deserve our respect and protection.”