Rajkot: In a commendable move towards environmental conservation, the Forest Department has created a ‘Green Shield’ by planting 5,000 trees over half a hectare near the Meenal Devi Temple, close to the famous Ghela Somnath Temple in Jasdan Taluka of Rajkot district. This initiative, carried out during the holy month of Shravan, has transformed the temple surroundings into a lush green zone.
Organized under the campaign ‘One Tree, For Mother – 2.0’, the plantation drive was graced by Gujarat’s Cabinet Minister Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya as the chief guest. The plantation included indigenous species such as mango, neem, peepal, arjuna, jamun, sandalwood, baheda, phalsa, karmada, guggul, custard apple, parijat, karanj, siduri, and drumstick—comprising fruit-bearing, medicinal, shade-giving, and ornamental plants.
This ‘Van Kavach’ (Forest Shield) model is expected to grow into a dense forest in the coming years, contributing significantly to local ecology and climate resilience.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from officials of the Social Forestry Range of Vinchhiya, Jasdan and Hingolgadh, local sarpanches, village leaders, Taluka officials, students from Aastha and Krishna schools, and around 550 environmental enthusiasts.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the ‘One Tree, For Mother’ campaign has gained strong grassroots support. It is seen as a proactive step against global warming, blending spiritual significance with environmental responsibility by enhancing the natural beauty of sacred sites.
