Ahmedabad, November 21: Halol Municipality in Panchmahal district has undertaken a remarkable effort to turn its love for nature into a golden opportunity by nurturing the rare Krushnavad (Krishna banyan) trees. As part of the Gujarat-wide One Tree for Mother campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat global warming, the municipality, in collaboration with the Panchmahal Forest Department, is planting this rare species across the state.
The campaign encourages individuals to plant a tree either in honor of their mothers or as a tribute to them. Gujarat has set an ambitious target of planting 17 crore trees by March 2025 to increase its green cover under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
From Dakor to Dwarka: Spreading Environmental Awareness
Halol Municipality’s Vadvriksh Yatra began on August 27, 2024, on the occasion of Nand Mahotsav in Dakor, the sacred land of Lord Krishna. Hiralben Thakor, Chief Officer of Halol Municipality, explained that the initiative is focused on preserving and propagating rare and endangered tree species, such as the Krushnavad.
She shared the inspiration behind the project: “As part of the One Tree for Mother campaign launched by our Prime Minister, I decided to work on developing rare and endangered tree species. The Krushnavad tree, which is found in only 15 locations across Gujarat, became our focus. Using cuttings from my own farm, over 200 saplings were successfully nurtured at Ranipura Forest Nursery in Halol.”
The project has received extensive support from officials, including Regional Commissioner S.P. Bhagora, Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Meenal Jani, Range Forest Officer Nidhi Dave, and Halol Forester Rohit Makwana.
Aiming for Statewide Impact
The initiative seeks to remove the Krushnavad tree from the list of endangered species. By January 26, 2025, tree plantations will be conducted across all 157 municipalities in Gujarat, spreading awareness about environmental conservation and preserving rare species. So far, 40 Krushnavad trees have been planted across five zones in Gujarat, including Vadodara.
The journey, which began in Dakor, will conclude in Dwarka, the city of Lord Krishna, on January 25, 2025. However, Hiralben Thakor, a passionate environmentalist, says this journey will continue indefinitely.
Why ‘Krushnavad’?
When asked why Krushnavad was chosen for the campaign, Hiralben explained its spiritual and scientific significance. “In Indian culture, nature is revered as divine. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says, ‘Among trees, I am the Peepal.’ The banyan tree, associated with Lord Krishna, holds immense religious and medicinal importance. Its roots, leaves, and sap have therapeutic properties, benefiting those with dental issues, skin diseases, and even infertility. Protecting this rare species is vital for both ecological and cultural reasons.”
The Legend of ‘Makhan Katora Vad’
The Krushnavad tree, a rare species of banyan, takes years to mature and is distinguished by its bowl-shaped leaves. According to legend, these leaves served as makeshift bowls for Lord Krishna to hide and eat butter, earning the tree its nickname, Makhan Katora Vad (Butter Bowl Banyan).
Aiming for Long-Term Sustainability
Under the One Tree for Mother campaign, Halol Municipality has set a precedent for environmental conservation by combining cultural heritage with ecological preservation. This initiative not only focuses on protecting a rare species but also inspires communities to reconnect with nature and embrace sustainable practices for a greener future.
