Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has appealed to all sections of the society to be a part of plantation drives and provide their support in maintaining a balance between development and conservation of the ecosystem. He was speaking as chief guest in the ninth annual tree plantation programme organized by Sabhya Re-Foresters Society at Shamlech near Solan today.
The Governor said forests were the lungs of our planet providing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting diverse ecosystem. Afforestation was a critical step towards preserving natural habitats and maintaining ecological balance and it was the need of the hour to launch afforestation drive especially to combat the challenges of climate change. He added that a tree equals ten sons according to scriptures.
Sh. Shukla said that the society needs to fix goals of afforestation and work towards achieving the goals for which awareness generation and community participation was important. He said every individual of the society should share the responsibility of planting trees and become a part of environment preservation and afforestation campaigns.
The Governor commended the efforts of the Sabhya Re-Foresters Society for the last eight years in afforestation. He said that taking care of plants after plantation was most important, which the Society was doing in a responsible manner. As many as 10,000 plants have been planted, which are being taken care of by this society, is an example in itself.
He expressed deep concern over the rapid changes in climatic conditions in Himachal Pradesh despite being a hilly State adding that even the capital city Shimla was not an exception. He also expressed concern over the recent incidents of forest fires in various parts of the State which was one of the major causes of deforestation in the State.
Sh. Shukla lauded the efforts of volunteers, especially the students of different universities and schools who participated in today’s plantation programme. He expressed happiness over the efforts of Sabhya Re-Foresters Society and said that what once started like a small plant with 15 to 16 volunteers now had turned into a big tree of 500 people who were dedicated to environment preservation.
The Governor also planted a Deodar sapling on this occasion. He distributed the prizes to the winners of poster and painting competitions organized by the Society. A short play highlighting the importance of trees was also presented by the children of Himgiri Kalyan Ashram, Solan.
President of Sabhya Re-Foresters Society Ajay Sharma highlighted the activities and achievements of the organization. He said that the target had been set by the Society to plant 1000 plants this year. Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, SP Gaurav Singh, Secretary of Sabhya Re-Foresters Society Ripu Daman and senior officers were also present on the occasion.