Green Movement Spreads to National Capital Region
Tree Planting Drive in Delhi, NCR
12 July, 2010
Isha Foundation together with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and the Forest Departments of the three neighboring NCR States have taken the initiative of planting 100,000 saplings in the National Capital Region in the week from 5–11 July 2010. The initiative, instigated by the Head of the Environment and Forestry Division of the Planning Commission, was flagged off on 5 July 2010 morning at Nehru Park, New Delhi.
Dr. Kasturi Rangan, Member, Planning Commission, Government of India and Sudha Pillai, IAS, Member-Secretary, Planning Commission, inaugurated the launch by planting the first saplings. Ranjan Chatterjee, IAS, Consultant and Head of Environment and Forestry Division of the Planning Commission, Parimal Rai, IAS, Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Council, (NDMC) and other senior government officials graced the occasion.
In New Delhi, NDMC has taken the initiative to plant saplings in parks and vacant lands, whereas in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, the respective forest departments oversee the planting of tree saplings in their NCR areas.
Isha Foundation is the consulting partner in this endeavor, while Isha volunteers provide active support in various locations of Delhi, NOIDA, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon where tree planting drives are happening. Isha volunteers also coordinated the efforts of the state governments and local bodies to shape this campaign, duly supported by the Environment and Forest Division of the Planning Commission. For the Delhi NCR volunteers, the fact that the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, awarded Isha Foundation with the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, added fuel to the flame of their involvement.
Around 14,400 saplings were planted on 5 July alone. The one-lakh target should be completed within a week’s time, as per feedback from the implementing agencies.
Experiences and Expressions of Participants:
“It was like participating in nature’s creation, seeing the handiwork of God from close quarters.” – Ranjan Chatterjee, IAS, Head of Environment and Forestry Division of the Planning Commission, New Delhi
“Being the extension of Sadhguru’s hands to plant trees in Delhi has been a beautiful experience. To be with all the Isha volunteers early rainy morning in Nehru Park was lots of fun, like always. Feeling green and energized!” – Seema Jajodia, Isha volunteer, Delhi
“A long cherished desire was fulfilled today morning when I was part of the process for greening Delhi. Nightlong drizzle had wet the mud land and made the morning cool – just perfect for planting. The touch of mud, plant, water was like returning to my Mother Earth. I now know that my dream of a green capital is not far away.” – Madhumita, Isha volunteer, Delhi
“It was indeed heartening to see uniformed policemen perform the gentle act of planting a tree! The mood was simply electrifying – it seemed as if everyone present there had wanted to do this for a long time, being a witness to the rapid concretization of Gurgaon, but had not got a chance. The seed has been sown, the spark has just been lighted, a beginning has been made. I just hope and wish that many, many more hands come forward to restore the green cover within and around Delhi & NCR.” – Sumit Mathur, Isha volunteer, Gurgaon
“People are taking it wholeheartedly. They are celebrating with full spirit and enthusiasm. It is a very large and memorable event today in Ghaziabad.” – Y. S. Malik, Divisional Forest Officer, Ghaziabad
“The forest department with the active support of volunteers from Isha Foundation carried out the plantation of 5000 seedlings in NOIDA. The weather was also ideal – it had rained the entire night. It was wonderful experience. The forest staff as well as the volunteers of Isha Foundation showed tremendous enthusiasm and passion.” – Irfan Rasool Wani, Divisional Forest Officer, NOIDA
“Mails had gone to all the meditators about the tree planting campaign of 5 July 2010. All other arrangements had been made. There was no sign of rain till late night Saturday (3 July). The meteorological department predicted delayed arrival of monsoon rains for Delhi. Forest officers had told me the campaign would fizzle out if it does not rain by the 5th morning. I informed Swami (our Delhi coordinator) about this and he sought divine intervention of Sadhguru for immediate rains. In a few hours’ time, it was raining everywhere in Delhi, NCR!” – Kannan, Isha volunteer, New Delhi
