Shri K.B. Pathak
Vrindavan, 2017.11. 20 (VT): Friends of Vrindavan (FOV) has been doing great work for the environment in Vrindavan for the last two decades. Their latest effort is a tree-planting project which aims to create a “green patch” in old Vrindavan where the Brajwasis can reconnect with nature. The trees are being planted by the Brajwasi residents of Vrindavan, and the programme has been named Mera Vriksh’(my tree).
Ekta Sharma ji from NEC technologies
NEC Technologies, a Japanese company in Delhi, has supported FoV to develop a green patch in the old part of the city by sponsoring the first 100 trees for the project. While the tree plantation was sponsored by NEC technologies, the trees were planted in the names of the individuals who planted the trees. The initiative gives a sense of responsibility to the people who planted the trees.
Shri Raghav Bharadwaj, who planted the first tree, said, “FoV gardeners water the trees regularly and help them to grow. But since we have planted the trees with our own hands, and our names are written on the tree cages as well, that gives us a sense of responsibility for the trees.”
“Every day on the way to take darshan of Katyayani Devi, I pay a visit to the tree I planted. If I find that the tree needs more attention, I telephone the FoV office to inform them about it,” said Bharadwaj.
Trees are being watered by the team FoV
Over the next three years, more than 500 trees will be planted by the NGO on public land in the area around Katyayani Mandir, Gyan Gudri, Rangji Mandir, Tatiya Sthan, and in the vicinity of the Municipal office .
Jagannath Poddar, speaking on behalf of FOV, said, “It is not just a matter of planting the saplings. Planting trees is not as easy as it sounds. The young trees are susceptible to being eaten or crushed by animals. They need metal cages to protect them from harm. They also need to be watered and looked after.
“We have to make sure they are healthy, that the cages are not tampered with, and so forth. In that way, planting a tree is a lifetime commitment.”
“Once there were many gardens in Vrindavan,” says Poddar, “like Tatiya sthan and Rangji ka bade bagicha. These have all been transformed into concrete. We want to help the Brajwasis, especially the younger generation, to reconnect to Vrindavan’s original swaroop as a forest paradise.”
FoV is seeking support from environment lovers and philanthropic personalities to sponsor a tree. A plaque with the sponsor’s name is affixed to each tree’s protective grille.
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