Punjab Post Daily Online Newspaper & Print Media
Amritsar, February 25 (Punjab Post Bureau) – Tagging of trees in the precincts of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Summer Retreat, the historic Ram Bagh gardens, began this morning in the benign shade of the “Mushkapur” tree. Some of the trees in this garden are over 200 years old, and this project ensures that the names of these species are provided for the visitors to identify with.
The tags put up on trees are in Punjabi local colloquial nomenclature, English and also carry their botanical names. The Project is being carried out by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) through their Volunteer hub which Comprises students from educational institutions. Students of Springdale School supervised by Neeru Issar were on the forefront of this project Which was sponsored by Rotary Club Amritsar West. The students have been conducting identification & research of tree species over the past two months . Designated mentors, Dr. Kirandeep Kaur, Botony department, Khalsa College & the team of taxonomist Dr. AS Soodan, Guru Nanak Dev University have authenticated the work, while local resource Mr. Madan Lal, gardener at the Ram Bagh has been most helpful.
The opening ceremony was well attended by Principals of Springdale School, NIMS, Ibadat School for special children, President & members of Rotary West, and citizens at large. Scores of walkers at the Bagh appreciated the project during the tagging process which continued during the day. A fourfold pamphlet showcasing the Tree Wealth of Ram Bagh Gardens was also released.
WWF Environment Education Officer Puneet Watts said that nearly 150 tags covering upto 65 species shall be placed on the trees. The trees include rare and local varieties. The process of identifying some of the species shall have to wait till they begin flowering So could not be easily identified.
While dedicating the project to the city, Gunbir Singh, Chairman WWF-India (Punjab) stated, “There is perhaps no better way To value the existence of trees as life-givers than to familiarize ourselves with their true worth. Each tree has multifarious Properties apart from ensuring an oxygenated supply of air for us. The study and marking of the tree assets of Ram Bagh is a handsome first step. That children are fully empowered under expert mentorship in the program is indeed gratifying.”
