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 getting planted by the ‘brajwasi’ residents of Vrindavan, and the programme has been named as ‘Mera Vriksh’.
Ekta Sharma ji from NEC technologies
NEC Technologies, a Japanese company in Delhi, has supported FoV to develop a green patch in old part of the city by sponsoring the first 100 trees for the project. While the tree plantation was sponsored by the NEC technologies, the trees were planted in the name 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 helping them to grow, but since we have planted the trees with our own hands and our name is written on tree cages gives a sense of responsibility for the tree.” “Every day on the way to the darshan of Katyayani Devi, I pay a visit to the tree planted by me. If I find that the tree needs more attention, I telephone the FoV office to alter 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 the 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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