Nurturing saplings more crucial than planting

Plant with purpose

Planting trees improves the air quality, helps conserves water, prevents soil erosion and promotes biodiversity, making these critical for a healthier and more sustainable environment. Keeping this in mind, a large plantation campaign was recently launched, reigniting dreams for a greener Ludhiana. However, the issue remains: How many of these will actually survive? Two years ago, in a similar drive, one lakh saplings were planted but not many survived. Unfortunately, most saplings wither away if they are not properly cared for. Had previous plants been nourished, Ludhiana would be a lot greener today. Therefore, everyone is responsible for the maintenance of plants. Furthermore, simply planting trees is insufficient; they require water, care and monitoring to thrive. Involving schools, resident associations and volunteers in taking care of saplings can make a significant impact in the early survival of the plants. While plantation is a step forward, the survival and growth of each tree is what truly counts. Let us plant with purpose and protect with responsibility.

Novin Christopher

Care matters more

Plantation alone is not the solution—sustainability and care matter more. Two years ago, one lakh saplings were planted, but due to the lack of proper care, many may not have survived. If even half had thrived, Ludhiana would indeed be much greener today. The lack of monitoring, watering and protection from grazing or human interference leads to failure in the survival of these plants. The responsibility to keep saplings safe is shared—the government must ensure proper maintenance plans, local municipal bodies must supervise and citizens must take ownership of their surroundings. Schools, RWAs and NGOs can adopt areas to nurture saplings. A plantation drive is a great beginning, but without follow-up, it’s just a photo-op. For real change, we need commitment and care.

Parmeet Kaur

Make plans for upkeep

To make plantation drives truly effective, two critical steps are required. First, a structured maintenance plan must be implemented after saplings are planted. This should include regular watering and mulching, protection from stray animals with fence or tree guards and health checks by municipal officials or local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Most seedlings die without receiving follow-up care, wasting time and resources. Second, delegating responsibilities to local citizens, schools or organisations will guarantee long-term participation. When people have a sense of ownership, they are more willing to safeguard and nurture saplings. Developing small incentive-based programmes for communities can also boost engagement. Plantation alone cannot address the problem; constant maintenance and accountability will result in a greener Ludhiana.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Organise campaigns

With the advent of monsoon, the Ludhiana administration has kicked off a drive to increase the area under forest cover by planting 1.5 lakh saplings across the district. These saplings would be planted on panchayati land, the strips around village ponds, parks, on both sides of the roads, educational institutions, healthcare centres and other available spaces for enhancing green cover and promoting sustainable practices. The drive is a collaborative effort, involving the Forest Department and various NGOs, besides community participation. The department heads should appoint nodal officers to ensure proper plantation and upkeep of the saplings. Campaigns should be carried out in all areas to combat environmental pollution. Plant saplings require careful attention of several factors to survive and flourish, including water, air, sunlight, fertilisers, soil nutrients, weed control and protection from pets and animals. Plants also need appropriate temperatures and space to grow. Residents should ensure that the saplings are properly nurtured so that these grow into trees over the time. Youth must become the ambassadors of environmental conservation by way of their active participation.

RS Sembhi

Enforce strict laws

Plantation is one of the key solutions to combating deforestation, climate change and environmental degradation, but it is not the only one. Other measures like reducing carbon emissions, conserving existing forests, sustainable land use and promoting renewable energy are equally important. We may keep them safe and nurture them by ensuring the survival of saplings as it is a shared responsibility, involving multiple stakeholders. Government authorities may enforce laws against illegal logging and land encroachment and provide resources (water, fencing, guards) for protection. It must run awareness campaigns on tree conservation. Local authorities must protect saplings from grazing animals, fires and vandalism. We must also participate in community-led plantation drives. There must be a separate cell to report illegal activities harming young trees. NGOs and environmental groups may play their role in monitoring planted areas and ensure maintenance. Local government must educate people on the importance of tree care. We all must co-operate in nurturing saplings.

Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Hold survival audits

Plantation of saplings is just the beginning—survival is the real success. Sadly, many saplings die due to neglect, lack of care or the lack of ownership. Responsibility must be shared by authorities and citizens. Community involvement is key—schools, RWAs and panchayats can be made caretakers. In Kenya’s green belt movement, locals—especially women—protected trees, ensuring long-term survival. Similarly, India’s Environment Protection Act, 1986, empowers local bodies to safeguard ecological balance and green cover. Forest and urban authorities must conduct survival audits after each plantation drive. There should be penalties for negligence and incentives for sustained care. Using native species, protecting existing trees and involving people practically—not just symbolically—can make Ludhiana greener in the true sense. Let’s treat plantation not as a one-day event, but a long-term commitment.

Jaspreet Singh

Adopt one tree

Planting saplings is not the only solution to protect the environment. We must take care of them. Just to celebrate Environment Day for the sake of news will not fulfill the dream of protecting the environment. One must adopt a tree/area and take care of the saplings in the region. We must also support eco-friendly policies and sustainable practices. Plantation alone is not enough but more important is their survival and protection. There is a dire need of a collective effort from governments, communities and individuals, which is needed to ensure long-term environmental benefits.

Farzana Khan

Ensure enough funding

Ludhiana is actively engaged in tree plantation initiatives, with both the district administration and various organisations participating in the efforts. The district administration, in collaboration with the Forest Department, is planning a large-scale tree plantation drive this month to expand Ludhiana’s green cover. Organisations like Act Humane have also been actively involved, planting over 50,000 trees in the city under ‘Mission Hara Bhara’ programme. Volunteers are the backbone of Ludhiana’s tree plantation movement. They come from all walks of life—students, homemakers, working professionals and even senior citizens—eager to make a difference. Their energy and commitment are crucial for the success of these drives. Although all stakeholders are making their best efforts for the success of the programme, success is not hitting the ground. This is because government agencies are more interested in photo shoots. They don’t make plans as per the needs and attitudes of the local people. They should take help of local representatives, youth organisations, clubs, religious groups and passionate people who are interested in green environment upgrades and development. During last year’s drive lakhs of saplings were planted but only a few survived. No one was there to supervise and water the plants. The responsibility for the success of a tree plantation drive rests on a collaborative effort between individuals and organisations.

Effective tree planting initiatives require a collaborative effort, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to each stakeholder. Enough funding is also key to success the ‘Hara Punjab’ drive. All these measures have to be taken with energy, passion and dedication of all stakeholders.

Sukhdev Sharma

Collective duty

Planting trees is an impactful way of maintaining greenery, but it is not the only solution to environmental problems. The reckless cutting of trees must be halted, for in every fallen tree lies a fading breath of our planet. Many trees were planted, yet few survived. Had they been given water, care and protection Ludhiana’s skyline would have danced with leaves and shades. Safeguarding saplings is not merely an administrative duty, but a profound moral calling—one that rests upon the shoulders of all who envision a greener more harmonious tomorrow.

Jaspreet Kaur

Make students aware

Though not a silver bullet plantation addresses a wide range of problems from air quality to mental well-being. But mere plantation drives can never be the solution. Plantation drives should not be organised as a facade, people must understand the importance of the proverb ‘one tree today, a better planet tomorrow’. The Municipal Corporation should make sure saplings are cared for and grow into tree after plantation. To get effective results, they should deploy an inspector to keep regular checks. Besides this, educational institution must take responsibility to instill love for nature within students. They should make them acquainted with the works of teenager nature lovers like Greta Thunberg. Students should be encouraged to plant saplings on special occasions such as their birthdays.

Gurpreet Kaur

Punish for negligence

It had been decided to start a plantation drive in the district on July 1. This was a very wise initiative and an essential one in the district. Healthy plants present not only a good appearance but also are useful for the environment. Plants are known to produce oxygen, essential for human beings. Besides, plants also help keep the environment clean. Bushes are planted on roads in the city to give the roads a more pleasant appearance. Plantation drives are also carried out in several parks across the city to improve the environment for the inhabitants in the locality. Different tree species are planted depending upon the place. However, the main issue with these plantation is a lack of proper maintenance. Plants require daily watering, especially during the summer, proper maintenance for survival and fertiliser use as and when required. The authorities concerned must focus on improving the survival rate of plants. Designated MC officials must be made responsible for maintaining plants in public areas and those who fail to look after the saplings in their designated area must be punished if wanting in their duties.

Gautam Dev

Ludhiana