Expand green spaces, ensure post-plantation care

Allocate funds for plant maintenance

Advertisement

The government has made several claims that there have been many plantation drives in the city, and they are trying their best to conserve the green belt of Punjab. In reality, plantation drives are failing at a formidable rate. This is because planting trees is only the first step; they require proper maintenance and care for them to actually flourish into beneficial trees. For this to happen, the administration should allocate adequate funds and employ workers to properly manage and maintain the plants. This will not only make sure that each and every little shrub grows into a full tree but also combat unemployment by creating newer jobs. The government needs to understand that it is going to be a longer journey to revive the green belt of Punjab. Some steps to keep in consideration are as follows: There should be volunteer camps and enrolments set up for the people of Punjab to participate in, which involve taking care of the flora and fauna in the parks and colonies. This will give an opportunity for the people to spend time close to nature and establish a relationship with the natural environment. Additionally, proper water systems should be set up in all the new and old plantation sites to combat the scorching heat and help the plants to survive. However, different types of plants require different levels of living conditions and water supply; hence, a committee of plant experts should be formed to get expert advice and plan a systematic and effective plantation drive and sustain that with utmost dedication and unity. This will not only resolve the issue of pollution but also provide a heaven-like environment for future generations where they will be able to breathe fresh air and live freely.

Lakshit Jindal

Plant fewer trees but save them

It is really a matter of great concern and a big problem that too many plants are planted, only 1% survived. Plantation drives are done for getting publicity, for getting pictures with dignitaries and to be published in papers, once it is done they don’t bother to check what has happened to them, whether they are watered or not. The efforts and plants are almost wasted. Native plants and shady trees should be adopted to suit the local climate, soil and water condition. Plants are not properly planted or dug or covered so they die, the first 2-3 weeks are crucial for the new plant and need proper care and water. It should be covered with twigs, dry leaves to save them from direct heat or accidental damage. Local communities should become volunteers to save them. The group who planted trees should be divided into two parts, one for planting and the other for maintaining. It doesn't take much time; only half an hour is needed. School children should be involved to water the plants and make it a compulsory activity. There should be total transparency on how many plants are planted and how many survived. Data should be in the public domain. Plant fewer trees but save them, it will improve survival data.

Shashi Kiran

Create special cell to monitor plantation

It was heartening to observe that last year many NGOs and citizens came forward to launch plantation drives in their respective areas. But it’s more disgusting and a matter of real concern that more than 80% of such plants could not survive due to lack of post-plantation care such as occasional watering, installation of tree guards, etc. In some cases, it was shocking to find that many plants were destroyed due to the prevailing criminal practice of putting the garbage/leaves on fire by the residents and the MCJ staff. However, no civilised society can afford to lose green cover and suffer environmental distress. More plantation drives are needed while ensuring that maximum plants could be saved. For this, a special cell in the horticulture department of MCJ needs to be created for monitoring all the plantation drives undertaken by NGOs and the citizens. The cell should create proper records of all such plants for carrying out post-plantation care in collaboration with NGOs. The cell will be responsible for putting tree-guards and ensuring occasional watering and taking other measures necessary for saving the plants from diseases and anti-social elements. It is more important to save the plants after their plantation to keep the momentum beyond mere rituals and publicity shows.

Jagdish Chander

‘Go green’ drive should be active

Global warming / climate change results are engulfing the atmosphere, rising mercury; severe heat waves are engulfing the environment. There are a number of reasons for global warming / climate change: population explosion, emission of vehicles, heat from air conditioners, but the declining number of trees and green belts are major reasons for ecological imbalance. Severe heat waves, touching temperatures of 45°C or more, prevail from noon onwards to evening. This rising mercury is paving the way towards melting glaciers and increasing sea water levels. Environmental scientists opine that higher temperatures could lead to good rainfall, benefiting the rising underground water table. Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi has already given a clarion call for the plantation of new saplings and to plant a sapling in the name “Ek ped maa ke naam”. Now the responsibility of successfully planting new saplings lies with school/college students, staff, social organisations, and others. Not only should we stop at planting saplings, but we should also nurse them for a few months. We should prefer planting fruit trees, Peepal, Bode, Pilcan, Amaltas, and Neem saplings so that, when they become trees, they can benefit ecological balance in the environment. As we are now in the age of print, electronic and social media, these platforms highlight weather reports and expected temperatures throughout the day. As developed countries and industrialisation pave the way for concrete jungles, trees are being axed. Despite Van Mahotsav programmes, the saplings often fail to thrive due to inadequate care or water scarcity. If saplings are planted in parks, there are hopes they will grow and provide shade for humans, rest for birds, and sustenance for insects. We should come forward to plant fruit saplings so that these trees, when mature, can provide food for insects, birds, and homes for them. Our commitment to the “go green” plantation drive should be active so that planted saplings can pave the way to keep ecological balance intact.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Expand green cover in urban areas

Maintaining the precious flora & biodiversity is essential to check pollution and save life. For expanding green cover, many NGOs and civic bodies actively participate every year in various plantation drives launched by the authorities, yet the green cover is hardly 2% of the area in a smart city like Jalandhar. In fact, several trees reported to be planted die or wither away due to lack of after-care or inadequate watering during hot weather, and the fresh afforestation campaigns remain ineffective. Not only this, numerous grown-up trees are felled under infra-developmental projects and the resultant green cover is sharply reducing. Just last year in Jalandhar alone, despite strong opposition from environmentally conscious citizens, several trees—some over a century old—were cut to make space for the construction of a Critical Care Centre at Civil Hospital, while many more faced the axe at Gandhi Vanita Ashram for making way for a working women’s hostel. Such relentless deforestation and indiscriminate felling of trees are severely disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems, leading to reduced rainfall, global warming, and worsening environmental conditions. Further, trees and green plantations are a vital source of fresh air and water. A decline in these natural reserves is a grave threat to human health and living organisms. Undoubtedly, infra-development is necessary to meet the demands of a growing population, but in any case, awareness about the severe consequences of reducing green cover is crucial to prevent the humongous tragedy of global warming. Thus, an ardent need exists to grow more trees, while reckless tree-cutting and green land exploitation must be avoided to protect the environment. Specifically, to protect biodiversity, soil erosion, and consequential change in climate patterns, green land cover has to be substantially increased. In cities, ornamental shady trees and medicinal plants must be grown along vacant spaces on roadsides, parks, and their aftercare must be ensured. Local NGOs and RWAs can be encouraged for the upkeep of saplings grown in their vicinity, while municipal bodies should be held accountable for failure to provide timely assistance. During the upcoming rainy season, a vigorous afforestation drive should be launched in parks and vacant spaces along roads/street, with cash awards for better maintenance and upkeep of plants by residents and civic societies. Moreover, forest nurseries should arrange free saplings, and officials must ensure plants are properly cared for after plantation, especially during adverse weather conditions. At the same time, tree-cutting should be strictly regulated, and it must be mandatory to reserve proportionate green spaces when approving new urbanisation projects. The government must issue clear directives to architects and urban planners that environmental protection is a priority in all development schemes. Concerted efforts by local residents, communities, and authorities can really help expand green cover and preserve trees for a sustainable, healthier environment.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Comprehensive plant care strategy

Trees and green spaces are crucial in maintaining air quality, reducing pollution and providing numerous physio-mental health benefits. Despite numerous plantation drives by organisations, the administration, and NGOs, Jalandhar currently has a tree-green cover of only two percent, indicating the need for improved strategies. Effective measures for upkeep, development and construction of green spaces should be implemented by strengthening the horticulture wing of the Municipal Corporation. Efforts should be made to increase tree planting, create additional green areas, and incorporate green roofs. Regular watering based on weather conditions and soil type, providing necessary nutrients through appropriate fertilisation and considering the type of plants and soil, is essential. Regular pruning of plants is recommended to maintain optimal shape, healthy growth, and to encourage fruiting or flowering. Routine inspections of plants should be conducted to identify any signs of pests or diseases or to identify any issues or areas for improvement. Implementing organic or integrated pest management strategies to minimize harm to plants and the environment is crucial. Infected plants should be removed, or fungicides may be applied to control the spread. Regular soil testing is advised to determine nutrient levels, and organic matter or other amendments should be added to maintain soil health. Applying mulch can help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Appropriate measures should be taken to protect plants from extreme weather conditions, such as frost, heatwaves, or strong winds. Biodiversity can be promoted by planting a variety of species to maintain ecosystem balance. Maintaining accurate records of plant care activities, including watering, fertilization, and pruning, is vital for tracking progress and making informed decisions. The intensive urban forest planting method, known as miyawaki foresting, may be adopted for creating self-sustaining forests. However, successful implementation of all these measures requires the involvement of local government, businesses and NGOs through incentives such as tax waivers or rebates in utility charges.

(Dr) Kulwant Singh Phull