Forest & Wildlife Department Launches “Trees for LiFE” Campaign to Combat Air Pollution
Chandigarh, July 12, 2023 – The Forest & Wildlife department has announced the launch of the “Trees for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)” campaign with a special focus on curbing air pollution in the city beautiful. The campaign was inaugurated by the Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab & Administrator Chandigarh during the Van Mahotsav 2023 event.
The “Trees for LiFE” campaign aims to promote the planting of trees that are capable of curbing air pollution while also supporting biodiversity through the planting of fruit trees. By combining pollutant-curbing and fruit-bearing trees, the campaign seeks to enhance the environment and improve the overall lifestyle of the residents.
Chandigarh has long been proactive in initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. As part of the city’s commitment to sustainable management, extensive calculations are being undertaken to determine the ecological and environmental carrying capacity. This includes assessing the carbon footprint of the entire city and forest areas, as well as other exotic sources, to better quantify the sustainable management practices required.
To address major concerns such as soil, water, and air pollution, efforts are being made to curb biological and non-biological sources of pollution. Air pollution, caused by various factors in the urban environment, poses a significant challenge. However, vegetation buffers have been shown to mitigate pollution levels by acting as pollution sinks. By adopting innovative measures and promoting a clean, green, and smart city, the Administration aims to achieve its vision of a clean and green Chandigarh.
Trees selected for their pollution-curbing properties include Ficus religiosa, F. recemosa, F. bengalensis, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Terminalia bellarica, Dalbergia sissoo, and other species. These trees have been carefully chosen to effectively combat pollution and improve air quality in the city.
In conjunction with the campaign launch, the Forest & Wildlife department is announced the release of the “Butterflies of Chandigarh” report. Compiled by the department, this comprehensive report identifies a total of 142 butterfly species belonging to six major families, including Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, and Hesperiidae. These species contribute to the vibrant biodiversity of Chandigarh, making it a haven for butterfly enthusiasts.
Butterflies, as cold-blooded creatures of the animal kingdom, are a unique and mesmerizing sight. The report highlights the presence of various rare and schedule-I & II protected species, such as the orange oakleaf, in Chandigarh. These species enjoy the same level of protection as iconic animals like tigers and lions, under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Notable butterfly species found in the city include the Common Mormon, Indian red flash, striped tiger, common mime, blue admiral, and red pierrot.
The Forest & Wildlife department encourages citizens to actively participate in the “Trees for LiFE” campaign and embrace eco-friendly activities to protect the environment. By collectively adopting sustainable practices and promoting a greener lifestyle, Chandigarh can lead the way in building a cleaner and healthier future.
