Date | 13th July 2024:
In a significant environmental initiative, the (Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building Programme) EIACP Programme Centre (RP) at Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, in collaboration with the Horticulture Section, O/o Dean (Infrastructure), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, organized a large-scale plantation drive. The event, part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, took place on July 13, 2024, at the IIT (ISM) Nirsa Campus, where 1,000 saplings were planted using the innovative Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT).
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Sukumar Mishra – Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, along with Prof. Dheeraj Kumar – Deputy Director and Mr. Prabodh Pandey – Registrar, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and marked the successful planting of 1000 saplings using the Matka Plantation Recharge Technique. Prof. Sukumar Mishra in his inaugural address said that this plantation drive under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” not only emphasizes the importance of planting trees but also pays tribute to the nurturing spirit of motherhood. Prof. Sukumar Mishra also talked about the Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) an initiative by the EIACP (PC-RP) Dept. of ESE, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. Prof. Mishra said that MPRT is a traditional, low-cost, nature-based solution to support plant growth in rain-scarce regions using minimal water, which stands out as a best practice for Saving Water under the Mission LiFE: Lifestyle for Environment campaign. This method supports plant growth in arid regions with minimal water, enhancing water efficiency by 50-70% and allowing year-round planting without reliance on monsoon rains.
Prof. Mishra explained that MPRT involves placing water-filled earthen pots (matkas) with two-three small bundles of jute rope placed inside the matkas near plant and one end of the jute ropes protruding from the tiny hole made at the bottom of the matka, which are laid around the roots, where they gradually release water as needed ensures steady water supply for the sapling as it establishes its roots forming an efficient drip irrigation system. This technique significantly accelerates plant growth, reduces weed competition, and boasts high recruitment and regeneration potential, making it a cost-effective, sustainable solution compared to other methods.
Prof. Alok Sinha, Head of the Department of ESE and Coordinator of EIACP (PC-RP), shared a success story demonstrating MPRT’s effectiveness. A Tectona seedling planted on June 23, 2023, grew from 20 centimetres to 2.2 feet in just six months and reached 8.3 feet in a year. Prof. Sinha noted that MPRT draws inspiration from traditional water conservation methods, blending indigenous practices with modern science to address water scarcity and support ecosystem restoration, particularly in mined-out areas, degraded forests, hilly terrains, and rain-fed agroforestry regions.
The plantation drive aligns with the Mission LiFE campaign, which promotes sustainable living to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. The technique also contributes to India’s commitments under REDD+ and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Prof. Sinha urged everyone to adopt MPRT to increase green cover and embrace Mission LiFE for a sustainable future.
Around 150 participants, including deans, faculty members, officers, staffs, research scholars, students, and gardeners, came together to plant a variety of saplings such as Peepal, Neem, Mango, Palash, Jamun, Mahua, and Karanj. The event was organized under the guidance of Prof. Alok Sinha, HOD, Dept. of ESE and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), Prof. Amit Rai Dixit, Dean (Infrastructure) and Dr. Dhiraj Kumar, Horticulturist, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. The plantation drive underscores IIT (ISM)'s commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, marking a significant step towards a greener campus and enhanced ecological awareness. The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to all participants and organizers for their enthusiastic involvement and hard work in making the drive a success.
Glimpses of Plantation Drive using MPRT under the campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" on 13.07.2024.
Director, Deputy Director, Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Staffs, Research Scholars, Students and Gardeners gearing up for the Plantation Drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" Campaign.
Plants and Matkas being prepared for the Plantation Drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" Campaign.
Faculty Members, Officers, Staffs, Research Scholars, Students along with the Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad along with Prof. Dheeraj Kumar – Dy. Director, Mr. Prabodh Pandey – Registrar, Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad inaugurating the Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad along with Prof. Dheeraj Kumar – Dy. Director, Mr. Prabodh Pandey – Registrar, Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad inaugurating the Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Group Photo: Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad along with Prof. Dheeraj Kumar – Dy. Director, Mr. Prabodh Pandey – Registrar, Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad during Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Plantation by Deans, Faculty Members, Officers, Students, Research Scholars and Staffs of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad; Plantation Drive of 1000 saplings using Matka Plantation Recharge Technique (MPRT) as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Newspaper Clippings
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Source: Dainik Bhaskar; dated: 14th July 2024.
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Source: Dainik Jagaran; dated: 14th July 2024.