Tree Plantation Drive In Kolkata
Greening the CGST Residential Complex, Kolkata
Today, we participated in a tree plantation drive organized by Gachher Katha at the CGST Residential Complex in Kolkata with the shared vision of creating a greener urban environment. For the past several years I have been actively associated with Gachher Katha, participating in tree plantation initiatives across Kolkata and its surrounding regions.
As many of you have seen, we have spent this monsoon planting trees at numerous locations, continuing a tradition that has been going on for several years. This was the twelfth plantation event of the season and the final one for this year's monsoon, as the rainy season is gradually coming to an end in Bengal.
🌳 Tree Species Planted
A diverse mix of native, fruit-bearing, ornamental, and shade-giving trees was planted, including:
- Jarul (Pride of India) – Known for its beautiful clusters of pink and purple flowers.
- Hijol (Indian Oak) – A water-loving tree with striking red flowers.
- Amaltas (Golden Shower Tree) – Famous for its long, hanging clusters of golden-yellow flowers.
- Yellow Palash (Flame of the Forest) – A yellow-flowered form of the iconic Palash tree.
- Neem – A hardy tree valued for its aromatic leaves and medicinal uses.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – A small tree bearing nutritious, vitamin-rich green fruits.
- Pakur (White Fig) – A large spreading fig tree with a dense, shady canopy.
- Bakul (Spanish Cherry) – An evergreen tree known for its small, fragrant flowers.
- Mahogany – A tall tropical tree valued for its strong, durable timber.
- Dupuromoni (Midday Flower) – A small plant with bright red flowers that open around midday.
- Ashoka – A graceful evergreen known for its colourful, fragrant flowers.
The photographs clearly show that the plantation was carried out within the secured premises of the residential complex. Many of the saplings have been protected with iron guards, while the entire plantation area is enclosed by boundary walls. The complex already employs gardeners to maintain its mature trees, and they will continue caring for these newly planted saplings until they grow into healthy trees.
Our dream is to make our cities greener. In a city where tree cover is limited and pollution continues to rise, every tree plays a vital role in providing cleaner air, lowering temperatures, and supporting urban biodiversity. We encourage everyone to plant more trees during the final days of the monsoon and, more importantly, to nurture them until they mature.
People often say, "One tree, one life." In reality, one tree supports countless lives. Beyond benefiting humans, a mature tree provides food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for birds, butterflies, insects, and countless other living organisms. Every plantation drive is a small but meaningful step toward restoring nature and creating a healthier future for generations to come.
🌍 "One tree, one life." In reality, one tree supports countless lives.
We are grateful to Gachher Katha and all the volunteers who made this drive a success. Together, we can make our planet greener, one sapling at a time.
🌱 Let’s leave behind roots, not just footprints.