Whether it’s a birthday party or a school function, gifting saplings has become a trend nowadays. Plants make a perfect gift for any occasion as it’s eco-friendly. Also, with the growing concerns for the environment, afforestation is the need of the hour.
However, most of the time people follow trends just for social acceptance without understanding its essence and importance.
Showing concern on this, Divisional Forest Officer, Guwahati Social Forestry, Jayanta Deka said, “I am more than happy to provide saplings. But it disheartens me when I find out that most of the saplings are not even planted. They are being either thrown away or lie around somewhere in the recipients’ backyard.”
“Many organizations and insitutions ask saplings from us for different occasions. Most of the time, they take the saplings, take some photos while distributing the saplings and that’s it”, Deka added.
Urging people to plant trees, he said, “I want to appeal to the people that if you are giving or receiving a sapling, then at least make sure it’s planted. It is meant to be planted. Otherwise there is no point of it.”
Talking to Discover East Deka further informed that their department has been doing several programs to spread the awareness on afforestation among people. Although the awareness drives have come to a halt due to the ongoing pandemic, they will be resumed soon, added Deka.
(Feature image source: TabloidXO)
