How Are Neemuch Women Leading an Environmental Movement?

Neemuch, June 5 (NationPress) In an impressive move that unites environmental preservation with women's empowerment, women from Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh have embarked on a vital journey towards sustainability by initiating a fruit tree plantation campaign. With the backing of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), these women, organized into self-help groups (SHGs), are making significant contributions to environmental protection while also establishing a reliable source of income.

In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, members from various SHGs kicked off the planting of fruit-bearing trees as part of the “Women for Trees” initiative in Amrit Garden. This campaign, led by the Neemuch Municipal Council, will run until August 31, with enthusiastic participation from women’s SHGs registered under DAY-NULM.

The campaign's inauguration took place at 8 a.m., graced by local MLA Dilip Singh Parihar, Municipal Council Chairperson Swati Gaurav Chopra, Chief Municipal Officer Jamnalal Patidar, councillors, representatives from social and environmental organizations, and numerous SHG members.

Under the guidance of Swati Gaurav Chopra and Jamnalal Patidar, with coordination by nodal officer Abhilasha Chaurasia, the initiative aims to enhance environmental sustainability while also providing long-term livelihood opportunities for the participating women.

In a statement to IANS, Municipal Council President Chopra remarked: "Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tirelessly worked not just for development but also for preserving our heritage, including our environment. On World Environment Day, we are launching the 'Women for Trees' campaign. From June 5 to August 31, tree planting activities will take place throughout the city, supported by women from self-help groups. These women will also generate income from the fruits of these trees."

“Today, we planted fruit trees such as apple, guava, mango, jamun, lemon, moringa, and amla - natural gifts from the environment. Women from SHGs will nurture these trees, and once they start producing fruit, they will sell the harvest, thereby creating a source of livelihood for themselves.”

Maya Kaithwas, a member of the Self Help Group associated with DAY-NULM, shared her insights: “This Environment Day, we have planted trees in the garden through our group’s initiative. These include fruit-bearing, shady, and medicinal plants. We will tend to them over the next two years. This movement not only supports the environment but also provides us with economic benefits.”

The DAY-NULM aims to alleviate poverty and the vulnerabilities of urban poor households by facilitating their access to sustainable self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. The mission seeks to improve their livelihoods by establishing robust grassroots institutions for the urban poor. Additionally, it addresses the livelihood challenges faced by urban street vendors by providing access to suitable spaces, institutional credit, social security, and more.