Officer on a green mission

Mahesh Sharma
Mandi Ahmedgarh, Jan 27

Continuing his mission to plant one crore saplings of diverse species of herbs, shrubs and trees by close of the ensuing year, Rohit Mehra, an IRS officer, has started roping in constituents of educational organisations to promote the idea of micro and mini jungles near their institutes and abodes.

The venture was launched during a function held at Global Earth Public School at Sihar village in Ludhiana district here, where around 400 saplings of different varieties of economically, medicinally and ecologically important plants were planted at the campus of the school. Amarjit Singh Sidhu presided over the function and Raghbir Maini, chairman Sainik Group of Industries were the chief guests.

Elaborating on the strategic layout of the pattern of plantation, Mehra stated that plants with different needs of micro and macronutrients were anchored proximal to each other so that the consumed nutrients are automatically replenished. “Contrary to the common practice, we chose saplings of those native species which have varied requirement of specific minerals available in average soil,” said Mehra maintaining that ecological, medicinal and economical value of the chosen varieties is also considered.

Sanjiv Maini, convener of the project, said authorities at the school had been advised to ask students to adopt at least one sapling to nurture it so that they are taken care of. “Students taking best care of their plants will be felicitated during annual function of the school,” said Sanjiv.

The IRS officer has already made it to the Limca Book of Records for making Ludhiana Aaykar Bhavan building as a first vertical garden in the region. The outer wall was covered with green foliage, plastic bottles, plastic bins and hanging earthen pots.

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