Though people join hands to bring positive changes in the society, but fail to continue it in the long run. The concept of ‘tree on your name’ is the best example of it.
The idea was coined with much fanfare by the Ranchi Forest Division that also generated outstanding public response, but now it is gradually getting ignored by the city residents. Majority of saplings planted near Jagannathpur Temple and other areas are dying as no one is there to look after them.
Department of Forest and Environment initiated this concept in the state capital in the month of July. In it the plant has to be named tree after the person who has planted it and paid some token money kept for it. The basic idea behind it was to make city green besides generating extra attachment among the common residents to the plantation exercise. Along with local residents some popular face of the society had also shown keen interest to the drive. As many as 700 saplings were planted against the originally planned 1,000. However, good numbers of plants have already died in the want of proper maintenance and care.
When some of them who had plants named after them were consulted they played ignorance about the fate of the saplings. Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) Former President Ranjit Tibrewal was also in the list.
“I have never visited the site so not sure about its current status. As per my knowledge my plants are growing.” When The Pioneer visited the site it was shocking to find that Tiberwal’s plant was already dead with just his nameplate hanging on the gabion.
Not only Tiberwal’s but there are many others whose plants met the same fate. FJCCI member Poonam Anand said, “I do not get time to make a regular visit but whenever cross from there I water my plant. From past few months was not able to visit the site due to hectic schedule as a result of which I am not aware about its current status.”
Meanwhile, officials of Forest and Environment department have shown their concern over the matter and have promised to look into it. Ranchi Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajeev lochan Bakshi said, “It is the responsibility of the Department to look after the plants. I will look into matter soon and will take necessary step so that death of the saplings can be prevented.”
According to Bakshi it is the need of the hour to plant more and more trees and this concept is a small step in the direction.