SPHEEHA, a registered NGO which started its operations from Agra, India in 2006 and today has chapters across the globe in over 200 locations has been conducting its annual tree plantation since inception as a part of its objectives and commitments for preserving the environment and ecology of the planet. This year, SPHEEHA conducted its biggest tree plantation drive by planting 55000+ saplings in over 200 locations across 4 continents.
SPHEEHA has planted thousands of saplings across the globe and follows-up with upkeep for three years to ensure their survival. About 84% of all the trees planted by SPHEEHA members in the past 15 years have survived. Trees are important to humans, not just for their products, but also for their ability to foster biodiversity, store carbon, preserve water quality, and perform other ecosystem services. In this context, SPHEEHA is already observing the Air Quality Index of Dayalbagh, where it has conducted Tree Plantation drives over the last 15 years improving at a steady pace. The average AQI levels of Dayalbagh are around 80 versus an average of AQI of 150 in the city center which is just 2 kilometers away (Source: CPCB).
This year’s tree planting function of SPHEEHA was inaugurated at Yamuna Pump -Dayalbagh, Agra ‘Guard of Honour’ was presented to Most Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab, Chairman Emeritus of the Advisory Committee of Education to DEI University by a live band consisting of SPHEEHA volunteers in the age group 13-63 years followed by hoisting the Indian National flag along with singing the Indian National Anthem and a prayer at the Lotus Feet of the Almighty.
The members were interconnected live over the internet and the live stream would be managed by SPHEEHA Headquarters at Agra.
Speaking on the occasion, SPHEEHA President, Mr. M A Pathan (Former Chairperson of Indian Oil Corporation and Former Resident Director, Tata Sons) said that, “SPHEEHA continues its tradition of the past 15 years with its commitment of improving the environment and I am very pleased that this year we have set a new benchmark by planting over 55000 saplings. We hope to do more in the coming years.”
Sh. P S Malhotra, a retired senior Railway official and Regional President informed that plantation of about 500 saplings have been done in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa states. Param Saraswat is leading Baroda Chapter from the front , remarkably his team planted the saplings even during the lockdown condition on the International Plantation day event in Baroda.