Man on green mission plants 1.6 lakh trees

Gurpreet Singh Bedi of Samrala seems to live with a sole purpose — planting as many trees possible in every nook and cranny of the town. From roadsides to vacant places to cremation grounds, Bedi has left his ‘green’ mark everywhere. Since 2007, Bedi has planted 1.60 lakh trees in and around Samrala. The most praiseworthy act, however, is that he never leaves saplings to their fate, but keeps a constant vigil and guards them till they are big enough to survive on their own.

“During childhood, sitting on the grounds of my school in Samrala I used to feel indebted to my forefathers who planted and raised trees for the future generation. As I grew up, I too planned to follow in their footsteps so that coming generations could enjoy green environs,” shared the tree lover.

“In 2007, I started the Samrala Hockey Club as the national game is my first love. I planted 100 saplings on road dividers in Samrala. My visit to Australia in 2008 gave a boost to my passion for growing trees. I wished to arouse the same love and respect in my people, which the Australian government and public hold for trees. Rejuvenated and enthused, I restarted my campaign. I chose vacant land around the Samrala railway station and planted 3,000 saplings and bushes. I nurtured them like my children and no plant died in the entire process of rearing. The place has now become the centre of attraction for one and all,” Bedi added.

“I am now assisted by multiple clubs and associations who donate generously for the noble cause. In 18 years of my green journey, I have planted 1.60 lakh trees in 30 to 35 villages, of which I can proudly declare that approximately one lakh are alive,” he said.

“In strongly believe that the drive of planting saplings in every village, town or city should not just be reduced to an official formality. It is a move in which we seek the support of every individual, including children, youngsters and grownups,” Bedi said.

“We have planted 15 mini jungles on agricultural fields with the consent of farmers. Now these pockets are home to a variety of plants and animal species. Not only this, we have tried to restore the natural habitats of animals who were feeling deprived of their spaces,” he added.

Bedi has covered 2,300 houses where he, along with his team, has planted fruit trees, which now being taken care of by owners.

“The joy of planting a fruit tree and it bearing the fruit one day gives immense joy to the possessor, who rears it both with a sense of pride and satisfaction. As I sit in the company my trees and relish fruits, the aesthetic appeal and feeling of having fresh home-grown fruit is by all means beyond description,” says principal Kamaljit Kaur, who has reared up 25 fruit varieties in her garden on Bedi’s persuasion.

Kamaljit Singh Malhi, another resident who has grown a fruit garden in his home, shares, “Bedi is truly a nature’s man. Apart from growing trees, he has placed nests all around, which have become a permanent abode for thousands of birds now. He organises lectures and seminars on the issue in educational institutions.”

Bedi, along with his team, also provides financial assistance to thousands of needy girls whose parents are not capable of providing them education and have to sit back due to lack of financial resources.

Punjab