Moodabidri : ICYM Shirthady unit organized tree plantation programme Vanamahotsava 2018 on 29 July 2018. The Parish Priest Fr Francis Crasta, Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) Chandrakanth V. Pol, Parish Council Vice President Wilfred Pinto, ICYM Animator Harry D’silva, ICYM President Chintan Lobo, Secretary Preemal Dsa, ICYM Members and the parishioners were present for the programme.
The DRFO addressed the gathering. He explained the significance of Vanamahotsava and how he had been actively involved in the tree plantation drives from long time to create environmental awareness among the people. “India is facing a significant decline in the forest reserve and that planting trees plays a vital role in conserving it” he said. The DRFO also spoke about climate change and global warming and motivated the gathering to plant maximum number of trees so that we all can contribute in saving nature as well as keep our country green.
Saplings of rare tropical fruit Lansium Parasiticum, also known as Langsat were distributed to the Ward Gurkars after the mass by Fr. Dr. Stephan Vas, Jhansi Diocese.
Instead of planting new saplings, trees that were at least 1-2 years old were planted alongside the Church road. This was done since these plants are more robust and will have much higher survival chances. Also tree guards were placed to protect young trees from browsing by animals. As a token of gratitude, ICYM members also planted saplings of tropical fruit Rambutan at the DRFO quarters. This program helped to spread the awareness of tree plantation among people and stressed the importance of trees to reduce the bad effects of global warming and pollution. It was indeed a very educative and an eco-conscious day for all ICYM members and parishioners.
