Gandhinagar, Jan 13 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat is making significant efforts to enhance the green cover and rejuvenate the natural ecosystem. An extensive plantation initiative in Vadnagar, located in the Mehsana district, represents a crucial step toward maintaining the ecological balance and safeguarding the environment.

This large-scale plantation effort was conducted by the city administration in partnership with the Heartfulness Institute from Telangana, focusing on eight historically and archaeologically significant locations in Vadnagar. These sites include Toran Hotel, Lateri Vav, Ambaji Kotha Lake, and Vishnupuri Lake, among others, where thousands of rare tree species such as Rudraksh, Mahogany, and Golden Bamboo have been planted.

Kejal Kansara, the Ahmedabad Zonal Coordinator for the Heartfulness Institute, shared with IANS that the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an incredibly motivating endeavor.

“Just as our mother gives us life, Mother Earth sustains us. Trees are vital to our universe, as they not only provide life-sustaining oxygen but also help maintain the environmental equilibrium. Trees absorb sunlight, water, and nutrients, and in return, they offer us fruits, shade, and clean air. They also capture carbon dioxide and purify our surroundings,” he explained.

“This initiative allows us to foster a spirit of giving back to nature, and the Heartfulness Institute is propelling this campaign forward with this vision,” he added.

He further elaborated that the campaign commenced in Vadnagar at Vishnupuri pond, with a total of eight designated sites for the initiative.

To date, nearly 50,000 trees have been planted in the city, with ongoing efforts to ensure their conservation and maintenance.

Dr. Aditya Chaudhary, a volunteer at the Heartfulness Institute, noted that the institute has been given the responsibility of revitalizing ecosystems at eight sites provided by the government.

Rainforest plantations are being established around the lakes. After planting, these locations will be maintained for a minimum of three years. Once the trees mature and the ecosystem achieves stability, they will be handed over to local authorities.

The Gujarat government supports this entire initiative, providing security, water resources, and additional necessary facilities.

He further explained that the plants are sourced from Hyderabad, and a specialized scientific method is adhered to during planting. Pits measuring three feet in depth are created for the plants, which are allowed to acclimate for seven to ten days.

A blend of activated charcoal, cocopeat, and soil is then introduced. After incorporating vermicompost and neem cake into the pit, the saplings are planted and irrigated using a drip system. The roughly 50,000 saplings planted thus far are thriving, demonstrating that this scientific approach to planting is highly effective in rejuvenating the ecosystem.

Importantly, these saplings are being irrigated using modern techniques, including drip irrigation and rain guns, to facilitate their healthy growth.