Past of Tree Plantation
In earlier times, tree plantation was often rooted in cultural, religious, and ecological practices. Trees were revered and planted around temples, homes, and water bodies, symbolizing prosperity and environmental harmony by the community. Traditional agricultural systems also integrated trees for shade, soil fertility, and biodiversity. However, large-scale deforestation due to urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural expansion led to significant loss of green cover both in Community Lands as well as on Farm Fields.
While some government-led plantation drives began in the mid-20th century, they have been lacking in community involvement and long-term maintenance plans, limiting their impact. The past reminds us of the value trees once held and the need to revive those community practices with a modern approach.
Present of Tree Plantation
In the present scenario, tree plantation has gained significant momentum as a solution to combat climate change, restore biodiversity, and improve urban living conditions. Government programs, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and community-driven campaigns are collectively increasing awareness and action.
However, challenges persist. Most of the plantation drives on community lands focus on quantity over quality, with little attention to choosing native species, ensuring proper aftercare, or engaging local communities for long-term success.
Despite these hurdles, the growing recognition of trees as vital for sustainability offers hope. With better strategies and collaborative efforts, tree plantation on community lands today has the potential to set a foundation for a greener future.
Way Forward for Tree Plantation at Places of Worship
The way forward for tree plantation lies in shifting from symbolic initiatives to sustainable and impactful actions on lands surrounding the Places of Worship. This means leveraging our devotion combining with native and climate-resilient species with local ecosystems, and involving grass root level communities as active stakeholders under the watchful eyes of Temple Management.
By combining modern technologies like geo-tagging and AI with traditional wisdom, we can ensure that plantation drives are not just events but enduring contributions for green assets all around our Shrines and Temples.
The future calls for collective action, innovation, and unwavering commitment to make tree plantation a cornerstone of environmental restoration at all Divine Locations.
