Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today planted Belpatra and Shami saplings in Smart Garden on the occasion of Mahashivratri. On this occasion, Sanskriti Khare, Venu Pillai, Bhavesh Choudhary and Abhishek Sahai of Help Age India also planted saplings.

Help Age India has been working for the senior citizens in India for the last 40 years. This organisation works to improve the quality of life and care of underprivileged elderly persons. Help Age India has planted about 500 saplings in Bhopal's schools, colleges and roadside vacant places for environmental protection. More than five thousand neem and fruit trees have been planted by the organisation in 17 villages including Punasa in Khandwa district.

Along with the operation of Health Care Mobile Units by Help Age India organisation, works like Cataract Surgery Helpline, Senior Citizen Home Care, Day Care, Physiotherapy, Elderly People Self-Help Group etc. are being done prominently. The organisation also conducts advocacy and awareness programmes on rights and policies relating to senior citizens. Along with this, 'Elder Line-14567 (National Senior Citizen Helpline)' of Government of India is being operated by HelpAge India in five other states including Madhya Pradesh.

Bale and Shami planted today on the occasion of Mahashivratri have an important place in worship. Shami is considered very beneficial from the point of view of Ayurveda. Also, the use of Samidhas of Shami tree in Yagyas is considered auspicious. Bel leaves are also called bilva tree. Research has found information about its various medicinal properties.