BANGALORE: As the civic bodies surge towards cutting trees to build wider roads, there are a few who are attempting to match up in the race of felling by planting tree saplings.The Sri Amma and Bhagavan, the founders of Oneness movement have stirred the conscience of many in their duties towards mother earth.Disciples, devotees along with people from all walks of life have joined hands in an effort to plant one crore trees across the nation.The event kicked of on Sunday at Sunkadkatte with the plantation of 1,000 saplings.Along with the plantation in progress, they also distributed approximately 1,000 gunny bags weighing five kilograms each amongst the villager present.With a presence in 500 locations across the country, the movement aims at planting 20,000 trees in each centre.According to Nithya, one of the volunteer’s at the event, a lot of planning has gone in to it.“We have carefully selected saplings from various nurseries across the city,” she said.The saplings procured will be planted along the roads and open spaces like farms and schools.Apart from planting the trees, the group has also taken up the responsibility of educating people about the care that the sapling would require in the first year on their lives.“The education imparted to them is basic on how to look after young saplings.We have also erected tree guards around some of the saplings,” she added.Speaking about their selection of trees, Hitesh, another volunteer explains that the species selected are such that do not attract cattle.“Silver Oak and Pongamia (popularly known as Honge) are some of the trees that we have chosen.We have taken suggestions and advice from experts such as Brijesh Dixit, chief conservator from the corporation of the forest department,” he informed.Speaking with City Express Brijesh Dixit said, “There are three main criteria when an event like this is taken up.The species should be fast growing.It should be non-browsable (cattle should not feed on its leaves) and it should be equipped at adjusting and adapting to the city’s climate.Apart from that I have only provided them with the standard and the most basic information regarding planting tree saplings.”
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