UP: ‘Oxygen bank’ in Pratapgarh to mint a greener & cleaner future

ALLAHABAD: As climate change and pollution loom as threats to the earth’s future, a group of residents in Pratapgarh are doing their bit to undo the ecological damage done over the past years by creating an ‘oxygen bank’ across neighbouring districts.
Assisted by the forest department and local NGO Parvayaran Sena, Pratapgarh residents are planting more trees in Allahabad, Kaushambi and Pratapgarh districts.
A part of the citizen-driven initiative, families in these districts are supposed to plant at least one peepal or banyan tree to create an ‘oxygen bank’.
The residents are also trying to identify and preserve ancient trees which are more than 100 years old.
District forest officer (DFO) BR Ahirwar said “We will maintain a database of heritage trees, which were planted more than 100 years ago, and preserve them. Besides, we will focus on planting more peepal and banyan trees in villages, blocks and cities.”
“The database will also include trees which might not have been planted 100 years, but are considered ecologically, historically and culturally valuable,” Ahirwar added.
Ajay Krantikari, a member of Paryavaran Sena, said “Today almost every one in cities and villages is aware of the impact of climate change and pollution. We are trying to nurture more and more peepal and banyan trees to protect the environment for the next generation’s sake.”
“We have roped in women from villages in these blocks to spread awareness among the masses,” he added.
Ajay said that currently around 100 villages are a part of the campaign. These villages include Bojhi, Akaripur, Udideeh, Dhanipur, Kohla, Raipur Kala, Saherua, Kharwai, Malhupur in Pratapgarh district; villages under Manjhanpur block in Kaushambi district, and villages falling under Kaurihar, Mauaima and Pratappur blocks of Allahabad district.