Green Dreams: How Our Tree Plantation Drives Are Reshaping Rural Landscapes

Uttarakhand, known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or the Land of Gods, is blessed with lush forests. Yet, many of our rural areas have seen significant deforestation. At JKSS, we believe in not just lamenting this loss but actively working to reverse it.

Our tree plantation drives are more than just environmental initiatives; they’re community-building exercises. We’ve seen rival villages come together to plant trees along their borders. We’ve watched school children nurture saplings, learning valuable lessons about patience and care.

One of our most successful projects has been the ‘Fruit Forest’ initiative in Pauri block. Here, we’ve helped plant over 1000 fruit-bearing trees. In a few years, these trees will not only provide nutritious fruits but also additional income for the villagers.

These drives are changing mindsets too. Villagers who once viewed forests solely as sources of firewood now see them as precious resources to be protected. As one elderly participant put it, “We’re not just planting trees; we’re planting hope for our grandchildren.”

With each sapling planted, we’re growing closer to our vision of a greener, more sustainable Uttarakhand. And in this vision, our rural communities are not just beneficiaries but active stewards of their natural heritage.