In a remarkable endeavour to restore the pristine town of Katra in the Jammu region, the social organization Grow-Trees.com has initiated a mission to plant 25,000 trees.
This transformative project, aptly named ‘Trees for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi,’ aims to combat air pollution, foster biodiversity, and breathe new life into the sacred land that attracted over 91.25 lakh devotees last year.
Nestled in the Reasi district of Jammu division, Katra is renowned for its revered Vaishno Devi Temple, a pilgrimage site in Jammu & Kashmir. However, the surge in tourism and the ensuing demand for accommodations around the temple have taken a toll on the local ecology. The need to balance the influx of tourists with environmental preservation is a pressing concern. Pradip Shah, Co-Founder of Grow-Trees.com, fervently believes that tourism and ecological development can coexist harmoniously.
“Eco-friendly tourism is the need of the hour, especially in holy places like Katra. We must manage tourist inflow in a way that safeguards the environment. Actively reforesting areas that have lost tree cover is imperative,” says Shah. The ‘Trees for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’ project embodies this vision, with a goal to plant over 25,000 trees to rejuvenate the area.
This initiative not only focuses on preserving nature but also creates employment opportunities for the local community. According to Grow-Trees.com, approximately 55% of tree planting in Katra has been completed, with ongoing efforts to reach the remaining 45%. The organization has completed 84 projects, planting an astounding 18,885,160 trees and generating 1,558,026 days of employment, all while absorbing 377,703,200 kg of CO2 annually.
What distinguishes this project is its innovative approach to involve participants in celebrating events. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, birth, housewarming, or graduation, individuals can now symbolize these joyous occasions by planting one or more trees and collectively dedicating a “Grove” of trees. The recipients receive a special eTreeCertificate, commemorating their contribution to a greener, more sustainable future, Shah added.
Pradip Shah emphasizes the diversity of local tree species being planted, ranging from medicinal plants to ornamental ones, promoting biodiversity. This multi-pronged approach is set to have a profound impact on the environment and provide long-term livelihood opportunities for local communities, involving them in sapling preparation, plantation, and maintenance activities.
The Katra project not only promises to improve air quality by using trees as natural carbon sinks but also addresses critical water-related concerns. “The project aids in recharging groundwater, regulating the water cycle, and enhancing water quality, which will bring substantial benefits to the local communities,” Shah affirms. This holistic approach underscores the project’s potential to be a game-changer for the region.
As ecotourism continues to flourish in Katra, Grow-Trees.com’s ambitious initiative offers the sacred town the breath of fresh air it has been longing for. By harmonising the spiritual significance of the region with eco-consciousness, the ‘Trees for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’ project not only ensures a sustainable future but also rekindles the essence of this sacred place, making it a harmonious abode for both devotees and nature alike.
