Mass tree plantation by ANMF under "Jal Shakti Abhiyan"

Port Blair, Oct 16: Leading with the example, the Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation (ANMF) on Oct 15, 2019 have organized a mass tree plantation under "JalSakthiAbhiyan". The venture was executed at Doordarshan Colony, Port Blair with the assistance of Forest Department.

In the programme, Chairperson, Port Blair Municipal Council, Shri N.K Udhaya Kumar was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, PBMC Chairperson urged residents to extend support to civic body in ensuring cleanliness in the city. Other officials and public representatives also addressed the gathering and highlighted the objectives of JalSakthiAbhiyan.

In his welcome address, Shri K Ganeshan, President, Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation highlighted the need and approaches to address the objectives of "JalSakthiAbhiyan". He said that in the course of development, we kept on filling ponds and encroaching spaces of natural water resources. Resulting to this, today we are left with countable natural sources of water. Ground water level has gone down due to elimination of natural water resources. As a result of reduction in natural water sources like pond, lakes and wells, we are left with no other option to completely rely on rain water to fulfill our water requirements, He added. Shri Ganeshan told that all these forced us to think of water and water resources conservation and JalSakthiAbhiyan is the outcome of it. Suggesting approaches to address the objectives of JalSakthiAbhiyan, Ganeshan urged the gathering to plant more and more trees with firm commitment of taking care of its life till it becomes capable enough to protect out life. Ganeshan called upon the gathering for rain water harvesting and requested to ensure that no rain water goes waste. He also suggested for proper disposal of drain water through soak pit. He requested residents of Doordarshan colony to take utmost care for protection and conservation of plated saplings. On behalf of ANMF, Shri Ganeshan extended his gratitude to Forest Department for responding to the first call and providing every possible assistance in organisisng the tree plantation programme and also PBMC.

The programme was also attended by Shri Ayyub Hassan, Divisional Forest Officer, Forest Department, In the presence of Shri Nilesh Kumar Kalbhor IIS PIB, Port Blair Director and Staff of Doordarshan Kendra- Port Blair, residents of Doordarshan Colony, media persons, staff and officials of PBMC.

Over hundreds of tree saplings were planted and installed with guard rails.