Paving paths for trees in a ‘jungle’ of concrete

We have all been taught about the importance of trees and how pivotal they are in generating oxygen. It is true that trees can be tantamount to the lungs of the planet, however, there are several other things they can do besides producing oxygen. To witness wonders trees can do, it is essential to let them survive. Sadly enough, human avarice is bringing down trees and forests by an unimaginable rate. According to the reports over 23,000 forests in our country have been destroyed in the last 30 years, for the sake of industrialization.

The temperature of the earth is on a steady increase and if nothing is done, it can rise by 2 degrees in the next fifty years, leading to rampant destruction of several resources. Tree plantation is one of the simplest and easiest ways to prevent this destruction. One average size tree can produce enough oxygen in a year to keep a family of four breathing. Plantation of trees can bring down carbon emission substantially and help in protecting the ozone layer. Thus, reducing the temperature of the planet.

Even if we aren’t nature conservationists, tree plantation can still be beneficial to us in ways more than one. Did you know, trees planted in the right place around buildings can cut air-conditioning costs up to fifty percent? Imagine the amount we can save every month by planting a tree! What's more, trees in the landscape help in relaxation, bring down heart rates and reduces stress significantly. It is practically impossible to narrow down the benefits of trees into a few bullet points.

Having said that, it is understood that owing to a busy schedule, juggling work and life, taking time out could be a difficult prospect for most of us. Also, plantation requires good maintenance and a large amount of water, which might not be at one’s disposal always, considering its paucity. However, there are still small steps we could take in bringing a change in the environment. One of the simplest ways is through planting indoor plants. From tulsi to bamboo plant, golden pothos, peace lily, boston fern, english ivy, spider plant, snake plant or rubber plant, the choices are many. They plants not only require lesser amount of water but can also help in turning our homes into toxic-free small gardens by releasing oxygen into the air.

To create awareness on the importance of trees, and get a little closer to this concrete urban ‘jungle’, MP MyGov, in association with Paryavaran Chhatra Foundation, Bhopal is creating a plantation drive. As a part of it, citizens have been appealed to visit https://mp.mygov.in/en/ to share their suggestions on -

● Types to tree plantation which requires less water and maintenance.
● Variety of indoor plants which are beneficial to health and that one can opt from.
● The areas that require plantation drive and the reason behind.
● Plants which helps in natural water and soil conservation

The drive aims to collect suggestions from the citizens and visit societies, residential areas and colonies to promote tree plantation and disseminate knowledge on the species of trees/plants that are necessary for the urban areas and can survive with less maintenance and water. This is an initiative to inform people about the species of trees and plants that help in the conservation of soil and water, and the species of indoor plants that contribute towards a healthy environment. The drive is a humble step to encourage people to do their bit for the planet.