Date | 17th August 2024:
National Service Scheme (NSS) and Centre of Societal Mission (CSM), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, in association with Horticulture Section, O/o Dean (Infrastructure) and EIACP Programme Centre (RP), Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad organized a plantation drive of 100 plants using the Miyawaki Technique to create a “Matri Van” on Saturday, 17th August, 2024 at Rajkiya Anusuchit Jati Uchcha Vidyalaya, Bhelatand, Govindpur, Dhanbad, Jharkhand under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dheeraj Kumar - Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad along with Mr. Prabodh Pandey - Registrar, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. Other distinguished attendees present during the plantation drive were Prof. A.R. Dixit - Dean (Infrastructure), IIT(ISM), Prof. Alok Sinha - HOD, Dept. of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM), Prof. Vikas Mahto - Coordinator, NSS, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Prof. Sanjeev Sahu - Coordinator, CSM, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. The Plantation drive was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Dhiraj Kumar - Horticulture Officer, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
The drive saw enthusiastic participation from around 60 NSS students and school children who planted 100 saplings across a 50-square-meter area using the Miyawaki Technique, and created a “Matri Van”. Saplings comprising of native forest plants such as Teak, Saal, Bakul and Semal along with sericulture host plants such as Mulberry (Morusalba) and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) were planted under the initiated efforts of Ministry of Textiles and the Central Silk Board (CSB) for expansion of sericulture host plantation area in order to promote the silk industry and help preserve sericulture practices while also contributing towards environmental conservation, and promote biodiversity.
Addressing the young students and other participants, Prof. Dheeraj Kumar - Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad emphasized the importance of nurturing the saplings they had planted, urging each participant to take personal responsibility for the growth and well-being of the plants. Prof. Dheeraj Kumar highlighted that the true success of the plantation drive lies not just in the act of planting but in the commitment to care for and protect these young plants as they grow into a thriving forest. By doing so, Prof. Dheeraj encouraged the students to recognize their role as stewards of the environment, fostering a deeper connection with nature and ensuring that their efforts would lead to lasting, positive change.
The Miyawaki Planting Method, named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting two to four different types of native trees per square metre. This method was developed in the 1970s, the original objective of which was to densify green cover in a small piece of land. The aim of this technique is to create a forest that is self-sustaining, with high levels of biodiversity that can help restore degraded lands and combat climate change. The Miyawaki afforestation method requires quite a small space, at least 20 square feet. One must seed plants very close to save space and dense plant growth. This will also allow young trees to protect each other and block sunlight from hitting the forest's ground, preventing parasitic plant growth.
This plantation drive, part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign—an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change—was organized by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad under the directives of the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, and the Department of Youth Affairs. This event not only contributed to enhancing the green cover in the area but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility among the young participants. The creation of the “Matri Van” stands as a testament to the collective efforts of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and its partners and stake holders in promoting sustainable practices and fostering a greener future. The success of this event underscores the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation and sets a precedent for similar initiatives in the future.
Glimpses of Plantation Drive under "EK Ped Maa Ke Naam" Campaign to create "Matri Van"
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Newspaper Clippings
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(Source: Prabhat Khabar; Dt: 18.08.2024)
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