MANOJ SINHA
Ramgarh, Ranchi 10: The Punjab Regiment Centre created a mini forest on Sunday, in a short one-year time through the Japanese technique called “Miyawaki”.
The pilot project was undertaken at three places lying waste and inundated during the monsoon. Last July, around 1,245 saplings of different species like cilantro, amla, guava, Jamun, and cut teak were planted.
Close monitoring, de-weeding, and regular watering have nurtured these plants, and a survival rate of more than 98 per cent is possible. What started as 8-10 inch saplings are now between two and four feet tall.
Another unique idea was that these were mostly planted as a family, and after the plantation, the family took regular care of the plant. The main objective of this project was to grow more trees and arouse enthusiasm in the younger generation to save the environment.
Motivated after last year’s success, This year too about 2,000 plants were planted in the Punjab Regimental Centre at two locations. In this event, Officers, families and school children participated to increase their knowledge of this technique and awareness about the need for planting trees.
The Centre also invited the local Marwari Yuva Manch to join the endeavour. Volunteers of the Yuva Manch had also joined and had brought along 400 saplings. After a short talk on the technique and a visit to one site planted last year, this year’s drive was kickstarted. After the plantation, the Centre organized refreshments for all participants.