Sri Vijaya Puram, July 21: The Botanical Survey of India organized Mass Tree plantation Drive and Awareness Rally on theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” as part of celebration of “76th Van Mahotsav” to create awareness on the importance of trees for a greener and healthier planet (Earth) yesterday. The programme began with flagging off an awareness rally by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A & N Administration as the chief guest. PCCF, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Department of Environment & Forests was the special guest. This was followed by Mass Tree Plantation drive with planting of native tree species (Rudraksha Tree Sapling) at Dhanikhari Experimental Garden-cum-Arboretum. The Secretary (Agriculture), A & N Administration, Ms. Pallavi Sarkar also planted a sapling.
The Chief Secretary interacted with students of Nature Camp & NCC Cadets from JNRM, who participated in the awareness rally and emphasized on collective responsibility in preserving biodiversity, enhancing green cover and disseminating scientific information to the general public. The rally started from Botanical Garden and passed through various residential areas and culminated at Tsunami Shelter, Nayashahar with distribution of fruit bearing saplings specially Kokum, Kattaphal, Mango, etc.
The Chief Secretary also appreciated the efforts of BSI for conservation of plants and stressed the need for community participation in preserving nature. He also discussed about the immense potential for sustainable commercialization of plant resources like cinnamon, vanilla and other economically viable wild fruits, species etc.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, Addl. Director & Regional Head, Dr. Lal Ji Singh briefed about the role of BSI in survey, documentation of plant wealth in these Islands and their conservation status. The event concluded with tree plantation and guided walkthrough different conservatory sections established at BSI Garden, Nayashahar.