Indore goes green again, plants 80,000 saplings

INDORE: The land at Ranbhawar hill and Asrawad Khurd bore strong and determined footprints of a journey leading to a green and disease-free world with Green Heroes wearing the boots of Hero TOI Green Drive 2018.
Achieving a target of 1.5 lakh trees, the second round of the drive was held at the two locations around the city on Sunday. The first round was held at Machal on July 1, where 70,000 saplings were planted, and the second round saw plantation of 80,000 on Sunday.
Men and women, old and young were nothing less than the doctors who took on themselves the task of making this Earth a healthier place by implanting nature’s lungs through 80,000 saplings.
Such was the enthusiasm of participants that public representatives, administrative officials and even police department fell short of words to appreciate the work being done for nature. State energy minister Paras Jain, who hails from Ujjain, resolved to make a similar drive in his city, taking inspiration from Indore.
“In Ujjain we have our holy Kshipra. Along its banks, we can replicate this scheme for which I ask for the support of all these participants and the common people. It is necessary to save the environment without which we cannot exist,” Jain said.
The event began at 9am and continued till noon as 6000 people planted 40,000 plants at Ranbhawar hill and 2000 others did the same at Asrawad Khurd plantation spot, where the plantation continued till evening.
“Tree plantation is extremely important now. Trees help in soil conservation and protect it from erosion during floods and storms,” said Deepak Jain, Sanstha Sarthak founder.
The entire Ranbhawar hill bore a festive spirit as pleasant weather made a perfect pitch for picnic. “This trip has helped our group revive our unity and bond as we had a lot of mental peace and fun at this place,” said Narayan, a resident of Sindhi colony, who came for the drive. Availability of water and first aid kits at short distances made it convenient for participants during the drive.