The Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration, organized a successful plantation drive under the ongoing campaigns “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Van Mahotsav at the City Bird Sanctuary, Sector 21, Chandigarh.
Over 400 saplings of bird- and butterfly-friendly species were planted by members of the Society, local residents, and officials from the Forest Department. The initiative is aimed at enhancing urban biodiversity, supporting avian habitats, and promoting to ecological balance within the city.
Mr. Anup Soni, Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh Administration, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries and environmental leaders, including: Dr. R.C. Mishra, IPS (Retd.), President, Environment Society of India, Dr. Archana Mishra, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Sonepat and Vice President, ESI, Mr. Hitesh Puri, Chairman, CRAWFED, Er. H.R. Satija, Vice President, ESI, Ms. Mohinder Kaur, Member, ESI & Nominated Councilor, MC Chandigarh, Dr. Ravinder Nath, Member, ESI & Member, Administrator’s Advisory Council, UT Chandigarh, Mr. N.K. Jhingan, Secretary, Environment Society of India,
Dedicated members of the Society including Dr. Anju Mahajan, Ms. Rakhi Agarwal, Ms. Sita Kakkar, Mr. Gaurav Shahi, Ms. Veena Singh, Sh. D.V. Bangia, Sh. B.K. Garg, and a large number of Sector 21 residents actively participated and planted saplings, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N.K. Jhingan highlighted that the City Bird Sanctuary was established in the late 1980s at the initiative of the Environment Society of India and later declared a protected area by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. It was specifically created to safeguard native bird species such as parrots, which faced displacement due to rapid urbanization in the Pinjore–Panchkula–Chandigarh region.
Mr. Anup Soni, Conservator of Forests, emphasized the Department’s vision of increasing Chandigarh’s bird population through plantation of flowering and fruit-bearing trees, which will provide natural food and shelter for birds.
The event concluded with a collective pledge by all attendees to continue working toward the preservation of Chandigarh’s green cover and natural biodiversity. Tribute Plantation at PEC in Memory of Prof. R.K. Singhal
Earlier in the day, a special tree plantation drive was also held at the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) campus, in collaboration with PEC/PECOSA and The Environment Society of India. The event was organized in loving memory of late Prof. R.K. Singhal, former Workshop Superintendent, PEC.
The plantation was attended by Mrs. Aruna Singhal, wife of Late Prof. Singhal, and their daughter Ms. Shikha Singhal, who planted saplings in his honor. Members of the Environment Society of India including Er. Ashok Bansal and Sh. Ram Parkash Sharma also participated in the tribute plantation
