Who Planted More Trees in India?

India has been facing a severe environmental crisis in recent years, with deforestation reported to be one of the leading causes of climate change. To combat this, many individuals and organizations have been working to plant trees and increase the country's green cover. But who has planted more trees in India, and what impact has it had on the environment? Let's investigate.

The Government's Efforts

The Indian government has initiated several programs to encourage afforestation and reforestation in the country, including the National Afforestation Programme, National Greening India Mission, and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. As of 2021, the government claims to have planted approximately 15 billion trees across the country under various schemes, including roadside planting, forest regeneration, and agroforestry.

NGOs and Private Organizations

Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private organizations have also contributed significantly to increasing the green cover in India. One notable example is the Cauvery Calling project by the Isha Foundation, which aims to plant 242 crore trees along the Cauvery River basin. Similarly, the CSR arm of Mahindra Group, Mahindra Hariyali, has planted more than 15 million trees in over 12 states of India under their tree plantation initiative.

Individual Efforts

Individuals have also played a crucial role in planting trees and increasing green cover in India. Many citizens have taken it upon themselves to plant trees in their local communities, and some have even initiated large-scale afforestation projects. One example is Jadav Payeng, who single-handedly planted an entire forest on the Majuli river island in Assam, which now spans over 550 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The Impact on the Environment

The combined efforts of the government, NGOs, private organizations, and individuals have resulted in a significant increase in India's green cover in recent years. According to the Forest Survey of India, the country's total forest cover has increased by 3,976 square kilometers between 2017 and 2019, which is a positive indicator for the environment. The increase in forest cover has not only helped to combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide but has also had a positive impact on biodiversity and water conservation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all sectors of society have played a crucial role in increasing green cover and combating deforestation in India. While the government has initiated several programs, NGOs, private organizations, and individuals have also contributed significantly to improving the country's environment. The combined efforts have resulted in positive changes, but much more still needs to be done to ensure a sustainable future for India.