250 heritage trees planted along Buddha Dariya

Under the leadership of environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, around 250 heritage trees of Punjab were planted along the banks of Buddha Dariya near Bhukhri Khurd village. The state tree of Punjab, tahli (sheesham), was given special prominence during this plantation drive.

The saplings, planted on Friday, included neem, peepal, banyan (bargad), tahli, mulberry (shahtoot), and grapefruit (chakotra). Additionally, ornamental and aromatic plants like mandakini, rose, and palm were also planted. Sarpanch Satpal Singh said many of Punjab’s heritage trees were gradually disappearing due to which he had requested Seechewal to provide saplings from his nurseries to help revive these species. Seechewal said the neem and mulberry saplings planted were already 5 to 7 feet tall to protect them from grazing animals. He said wherever excess land was available along the Buddha Dariya, mini forests would be developed there. This initiative aims to create habitats for birds and restore the historical glory of the Buddha Dariya. He further said that although polluted and toxic water from dairies, factories, and municipal sources was still flowing into some parts of the river, clean water had now reached the Bhukhri Khurd section. The cleanliness campaign will continue until clean water flows up to Walipur Kalan, he said.

On this occasion, in celebration of clean water reaching the river near Bhukhri Khurd after 35 years, Baisakhi is being celebrated, he added. An Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the Sikh holy scripture) had been initiated at the Gurdwara Sahib in the village, which will conclude on April 13.

Ludhiana