1,300 saplings to be planted in each village to mark Gurpurb, says Divisional Commissioner

Marking the 555th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) has come up with the proposal to plant one crore saplings annually. A similar initiative was launched by Divisional Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Sabharwal, who emphasised the urgent need to plant more trees to make Punjab a vibrant and green state.

Speaking on the occasion, Sabharwal announced that the organisation, through its environmentally focused unit, will provide 1,300 saplings to each village and 2,000 to each city in Punjab. Praising the initiative, he highlighted the teachings of Guru Nanak, which valued the earth, water and air. He urged everyone to follow the Guru’s principles by planting and nurturing as many trees as possible.

The organisation will provide fruit-bearing, flowering, shade-giving and medicinal plants, along with seeds for seasonal vegetables and trays of organic seedlings. The Divisional Commissioner also announced that flowering plants and seeds will be offered free of cost as a service for religious places. He stressed on collective efforts to plant and care for saplings to create a green Punjab. The organisation will deploy 20,000 individuals statewide for this mission and provide financial assistance for it.

Dalvir Lal Hira, national president of the National Cooperative Union of India, stated that saplings will be supplied at government rates, and cooperative societies can place orders for their requirements.

Saplings were planted at his office complex by the Divisional Commissioner on Thursday. He was joined in the efforts by officials from the Horticulture Department, Prithvi Welfare Society and local youth organisations.