#TREENURTURING
As IMD had predicted, monsoon has arrived in Maharashtra and covered the whole state. Government authorities, Local bodies, various NGOs will conduct tree plantation drives this year too. Many enthusiastic people like us would participate in tree plantation activities.
We go for a plantation drive, We take our friends along, We take selfies, have a gala time, and feel really good about ourselves that day. We post our photos all over the social media with #treeplantation, #saveenvironment and gain the appreciation of our peers and family. But what next? Is it sufficient? Does our responsibility end here?
Definitely not. How many of us will nurture the saplings planted by us this year? In environmental law, there is a principle called ‘Polluter pays principle‘. In context of tree plantation,it means that it is the planter’s responsibility to look after the trees for at least one year after plantation. Our responsibility should not remain only in the ‘Spirit and enthusiasm’. We should convert it into practice.
Tree plantation without any responsibility is like giving birth to a child but escaping the responsibility of fostering it. If it’s not possible for you to nurture a plant it is better not to plant a tree at all. But please don’t make the plant an orphan. Nature doesn’t need us. We need nature for our sustenance. I know that this statement tends to be shallow ecology But how can I ignore the reality? It is good that awareness about tree plantation in our society is increasing day by day. But we have to go one step further that is, spreading awareness about tree plantation along with its nurturing.
So, how to nurture a tree? Nothing else but will power is needed. If you want to nurture a tree then you can manage other things easily. You may meet some troubles, but you can overcome them. Because nature gives you enough strength to face any kind of challenges.
Someone may ask about the time required for tree nurturing? It’s not fixed as it depends on various circumstances. It is sufficient to give 30-45 minutes in a week. If you are someone who’s facing trouble doing it alone, you can go with your family, friends and various groups which are already engaged in tree nurturing activities. Just ask around you will realize that you are surrounded by many enthusiastic people who are part of various activities. However, it’s important that you approach them. No one will come at your doorstep & request you to participate in these activities.
From what I have experienced so far , I can definitely say that tree nurturing will teach you a lot of things about nature. You may or may not belong to any religion, caste. But during tree nurturing, nature will teach you about the religion of ‘Nature’. This will remove all artificial barriers between us which we have made in the name of caste & religion. For nature no one is Hindu or Muslim nor Brahmin or Dalit, no one is from the north or south India. Our only identity is human being. We learn the essence of equality & fraternity from nature. In our childhood, we pledged & heard many times that ‘India is my country. All Indians are my brothers & sisters……….India is a country with unity in diversity. Tree nurturing offers you to take the real experience of it.
At last, monsoon has arrived, don’t miss the opportunity, just do it !!
“You can experience the tune of nature because, it’s natural”
Himanshu Kulkarni
Student of Law & Political Science
Acknowledgements
Proofreading & Editing contribution – Prajakta Patil Madam & Sonawee Mehendale
