By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 26 Jul: Even as life in Mussoorie is being disrupted by incessant rain and landslides, the women’s wing of the Garhwal Sabha, Mussoorie, took a unique initiative to spread the message of environmental protection.
Amidst torrential rains, the women planted over 50 fruit and medicinal plants in the Mussoorie Public School (MPS) campus, conveying the message that environmental protection is not just a one-day campaign but a continuous responsibility. A large number of women enthusiastically participated in the programme and planted various species of trees, including pear, peach, plum, apple, and bay leaf. Along with planting, everyone also took a collective pledge to regularly care for and protect these plants.
Sudha Jhildiyal, President of the Garhwal Sabha Mahila Sabha, said that, in this era of climate change and increasing natural disasters, planting more trees is the need of the hour. She said that merely planting trees is not enough; protecting them is equally important. She expressed confidence that in the coming years, these trees will play a vital role in enhancing the greenery of Mussoorie, maintaining a clean environment, and improving the ecosystem.
Former councillor Bharosi Rawat said that Harela is not just a festival, but a symbol of our faith and responsibility towards nature. She said that trees are the foundation of life, and tree planting is essential for clean air, a balanced environment, and a secure future for future generations. He explained that the location was deliberately selected where local people could regularly care for the trees. Citing the example of trees previously planted in Hussainganj, she said that due to constant care, they have grown and are enriching the environment. The women at the event also conveyed the message that, if every person takes responsibility for planting at least one tree in their lifetime, the goal of environmental protection can be achieved to a large extent. On this occasion, a large number of women members including Rajni Panwar, Shashi Rawat, Tanu Uniyal, Lakshmi Uniyal, Leela Kandari, Rekha, Namita Kumai, Bhavana Rawat, Rekha Negi, Sunita Negi, Dr Sheetal Panwar, Manisha Kharola, Beena Gunsola, Meena Negi, Pushpa Padiyar, Seema, Anita Pundir, Usha Joshi, Usha Dhanai, Sunita Barmola, Rajeshwari Bhatt, Vineeta Negi, Rajeshwari Negi, Rajni Ekant, Sushma, Nutan, Kamla Kandari, Anita Thalwal, Kalpana Nautiyal were present.
