One of the main objectives of SIA is to work in the furtherance of ecologically sustainable human development through environment protection and amelioration, conservation of biodiversity, soil & water. To attain this, we are doing a unique and difficult work of raising and distributing the precious seedlings of indigenous rare, threatened plant species; that are very important from an ecological and medicinal point of view. Such species of immense environmental and human well-being value cannot be conserved without active participation of the communities, particularly the influential people in the society, youngsters and the prime stakeholders including the farmers and the industrial corporates. Hence, we are undertaking educational and mass awareness programs, activities, etc. through gifting rare seedlings of endangered indigenous tree species on certain important occasions like birthdays, marriage anniversary days, parents and other beloved memory days, etc. We avail such opportunities and explain the urgent need for and importance of conservation of indigenous rare, threatened plant species; that are very important from an ecological and medicinal point of view. We further motivate the persons present on such auspicious occasions, by gifting, the interested persons, the precious seedlings of indigenous rare, threatened plant species raised by us. This way, we try our best to educate and motivate the people on this aspect, to seek willing support and active participation in the conservation efforts.
Raising tall seedlings of endangered rare indigenous plant species of immense environmental, medicinal and human well-being is in itself a very difficult, costly and time-consuming process. Equally challenging is to get proper places for not merely planting but also protecting and achieving proper growth of such seedlings till they become healthy and matured Middle aged Mother Trees (MAMOTREE), give fruits and their seeds germinate for next generations.
Failure of plantations is a common feature, and we cannot afford any damage to such precious and important plants. Conservation of such rare genetic resource by protecting such plants cannot be achieved without participation of the communities, particularly the influential people in the society, big land holders, the farmers, youngsters, industrial corporates and the other stake holders.
Planting of small seedlings of one/two years of age on public/ community / private areas is a futile exercise, resulting in wastage of time, money and resources. Further, protection of the tall seedlings after their plantation in the field and further nourishment till they grow and become matured Middle aged Mother Trees remains a dream only without active participation of the students, youth and the local communities in particular. Young plants in the fields are like open treasure and their protection and further growth has always remained a big challenge. Hence, based on our long experience in various sectors, particularly forestry and rural livelihood, we have designed said ambitious action research project that aims to address these issues. Our project incorporates educating and motivating the communities and ensuring their participation for planting rare tall seedlings in their potential areas; and contributing in conservation of biodiversity, soil and water and environment amelioration.
Out of 50,000+ tall plants of indigenous rare species already gifted, 9,300 were gifted, for afforestation on the 33 Ha of forest land, at village Aglambe (near Khadakvasla, district-Pune), allotted to Bahujan Hitaay Samajik Baandhilki Sanstha (BHSBS) trust, by the Govt. of Maharashtra, vide Govt Resolution dated 25th August 2023.
BHSBS is taking proper care and nourishing each and every plant supplied by SIA. This place at Aglambe, near Khadakvasla will attract large no. of people all over the country and a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) will be established on the forest land.
BHSBS is highly concerned about environment protection and natural resources conservation and has assured us that, through the NIC, they will educate and appeal to the visitors for conservation of such rare natural resources. The Reserved Forests of the Govt. and this trust's land are adjacent and ideal places for protection and conservation of indigenous and rare mother trees.
Shri Ratnakar Gaikwad, IAS (Retd), Formerly Chief Secretary of Govt of Maharashtra is the Chairman of this prestigious BHSBS. During his tenure as Chief Secretary to the Govt of Maharashtra, his great contributions to the forestry sector will never be forgotten. It’s during this period, the forests and environment sectors achieved many milestones and the long term benefits will sustain for many decades. He is a keen nature lover and highly concerned about conservation of natural resources and environment protection. He has highly appreciated SIA’s commitment to environment protection; conservation of biodiversity, soil & water. He has appreciated that SIA is doing a noble and difficult work of raising and distributing the so precious seedlings of indigenous rare plant species; that are very important from ecological and medicinal point of view.
All those who received rare seedlings of endangered indigenous tree species, from SIA, on their important occasions like birthdays, marriage anniversary days, parents and other beloved memory days, etc. have highly appreciated SIA for its unique activities of conservation of indigenous rare, threatened plant species that are very important from an ecological and medicinal point of view, and educating and motivating the guests present on such auspicious occasions, by gifting the precious seedlings of such indigenous rare, threatened plant species raised by us.
