Trees for Holy Environs

Why trees?

Ayodhya, a city located on the banks of the sacred river Saryu in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, holds immense religious significance. Renowned as the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram and the setting of the great epic Ramayana, Ayodhya (Awadhpuri) is revered as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Mokshdayini Sapt Puris) for Hindus. The city is steeped in history and spirituality, drawing millions of devotees and tourists annually. Its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant festivals make Ayodhya a vital center for religious and cultural tourism in India.

One of our project locations is specifically situated in the Guptar Ghat region, which holds immense religious significance for Hindus. According to legend, this is where Lord Rama took his last dip (jal samadhi) before leaving earth to return to his original abode, 'Vaikunta.' (6) This site attracts a large number of tourists due to its historical importance.

According to a report, till 2017, Ayodhya attracted a modest two lakh tourists per year. However, in 2022, the number skyrocketed to over 2.03 crore, and by the end of 2023, the count may have crossed the 3-crore mark. (1) This exponential increase in visitors places significant pressure on the local environment. Planting trees and increasing green cover is crucial to mitigating the environmental impact of tourism. Enhanced green spaces can help absorb carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and maintain the ecological balance. Additionally, a greener Ayodhya can offer serene and aesthetically pleasing landscapes, enriching the overall experience for pilgrims and tourists while preserving the city's natural heritage for future generations.

The Ayodhya region, with its rich biodiversity, is home to 68 bird species spanning 56 genera, 35 families, and 12 orders. Among these, nine species are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, and eighteen species (26%) are experiencing a global population decline. This underscores the conservation value of the Saryu river's riverscapes. Given this, it is imperative to prioritize tree plantation in Ayodhya. Planting trees not only supports these vulnerable bird populations by providing essential habitats and food sources but also strengthens the entire ecosystem. (2)

Planting trees in Ayodhya brings numerous benefits that are essential for the well-being of both the environment and the community. Trees act as natural air cleaners by absorbing pollutants like sulfur dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen oxides, providing fresh air and reducing the risk of diseases from polluted air. They are crucial for oxygen production, with one acre of mature trees supplying oxygen for 18 people annually. Additionally, trees serve as natural air conditioners, cooling streets and cities through shade and leaf evaporation, and promoting active lifestyles by encouraging outdoor activities like walking, exercising, and cycling. Furthermore, the presence of trees can increase property values due to the cleaner air and enhanced aesthetic appeal they bring. Given Ayodhya's rich biodiversity and significant rise in tourism, increasing the green cover through tree plantation is vital for maintaining ecological balance, preserving wildlife habitats, and ensuring a healthier and more attractive environment for residents and visitors alike.

Tree species:

In Ayodhya, we are planting a variety of local tree species that are well-suited to the region's environment, including Ashok (Saraca asoca), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba), Karanj (Pongamia pinnata), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Papdi (Holoptelea integrifolia), and Neem (Azadirachta indica). Each of these species holds cultural, historical, and medicinal significance. The Ashok tree plays a pivotal role in the Ramayana, being the tree under which Sita spent her days after being abducted by Ravana and where she met Hanuman. Kadamba is revered in ancient Sanskrit texts like the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa for its suitability in temple construction. (3) Jamun is associated with Lord Ram, who is said to have subsisted on its fruits during his exile. Neem is highly respected in India for its extensive medicinal properties, used to treat numerous ailments. By planting these culturally and ecologically significant species, we aim to enrich Ayodhya's green cover, support local biodiversity, and honor the region's rich heritage.

Social impact:

Our tree plantation projects in Ayodhya are deeply committed to involving local communities and providing them with sustainable livelihoods. From nurturing saplings in nurseries to transporting and planting them, community members, including women, are integral to every step of the process. A mature tree can absorb about 20 kg of CO2 annually, making these plantations effective carbon sinks in our fight against climate change. Additionally, these trees will provide shelter and food for various birds and animals, enhancing local biodiversity by improving natural habitats. This initiative supports the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on Climate Action (Goal 13) and Life on Land (Goal 15), contributing positively to global environmental sustainability efforts. 

References:

1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/by-yearend-ayodhya-expects-footfall-of-2-3-lakh-visitors-per-day-
2. https://indianecologicalsociety.com/
3. https://www.amarchitrakatha.com/mythologies/story-of-the-ashoka-tree/
4. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kadamba
5. https://ayodhya.nic.in/ayodhya-tourism/
6. https://www.incredibleindia.org/