Banda district of Uttar Pradesh has been in news for reasons like drought and water scarcity. Heera Lal, District Magistrate of Banda has launched a number of innovative initiatives in a bid to bring ecological and environmental harmony.
After the successful campaign on reviving wells and water bodies of Banda, Heera Lal has initiated the campaign named ‘Vriksh Jiao Abhiyan’ or revive the trees of Banda. The objective of this campaign is to not just plant trees, but to ensure the growth of the trees and plants as well.
As an innovative initiative, Heera Lal has ensured that in the local temples, saplings are distributed to the devotees as ‘prasad’ along with fruits and flowers. According to Heera Lal, Indians have utmost respect for the ‘prasad’, hence if saplings or plants are distributed in the temples, it would create awareness among the people regarding tree plantation and maintaining those.
The initiative is being taken in mosques and gurudwaras as well. The devotees are also requested to donate or give saplings as holy offerings during at the religious abodes.
The DM has also taken up initiatives to repair the banks of Ken River. Along with a puja on the occasion of new year, Heera Lal conducted a workshop on the banks with the residents of 22 villages of the district to create awareness on river rejuvenation, maintenance of water bodies and rainwater harvesting.
According to Heera Lal, the average rainfall in the Bundelkhand district is 902 milimetre, which is higher than that of Punjab and Haryana, which is 636 milimetre and 563 milimetre respectively. The reason why the other two states could tackle the water crisis despite low rainfall is rainwater harvesting.
“Owing to lack of proper infrastructure, a large portion of rain water flows away untilised, which, if stored and treated, can solve the water crisis to some extent,” Heera Lal said.
The DM has suggested Shaft Digging near well or hand pump to conserve the rain water. “Even trees help us store and conserve water. Hence, plant as many trees as possible in your vicinity,” he said.
Also Read: Banda DM Heera Lal launches Campaign to Curb Water Crisis