Udaipur- As the relentless summer heat scorches the land and urban expansion accelerates, leading to widespread deforestation, the dire consequences on the environment become increasingly evident.
Amidst the growing concern and widespread lamentation, few individuals dedicate themselves to tangible solutions.
One such person is Gopal Kumawat, a 52-year-old government employee in Udaipur, who has devoted three decades to planting trees. For Kumawat, trees are the lifeblood of humanity, essential for our survival.
On the International Day of Biodiversity, The Mooknayak spoke with this remarkable individual to explore how his modest tree-planting initiative has evolved into a significant movement, fostering a network of tree growers in Udaipur.
The journey began in the early 1990s. A young Gopal Kumawat, alongside his father, visited Neemaj Mata, a revered temple perched on a hillock. They observed devotees of all ages struggling with the steep climb, pausing frequently to rest.
In an act of compassion, Kumawat and his school friends carried pots of water, offering glasses to the weary pilgrims. During one such occasion, Dr. R.K. Aggarwal, a prominent cancer specialist, noticed their efforts. He commended the young men for their dedication and suggested they embark on a mission to plant trees, foreseeing a future where clean air might become a luxury.
"Dr. Aggarwal's words resonated deeply with us," Kumawat recalls. "He made us realize the critical importance of trees for our future." Motivated by this insight, Kumawat and his four friends—Mangilal, Sohanlal, Jaganlal Gameti- all from tribal communities and Bhagirath Bhoi, —began planting saplings in public spaces. Their first endeavor saw them plant 144 neem saplings in various locations.
Securing saplings from forest department nurseries at low cost, and occasionally with the help of donors, the group embarked on the laborious task of planting trees.
This involved digging soil, adding compost, and ensuring regular watering to help the young trees survive. Despite their dedication, life’s demands inevitably led to the friends drifting apart.
Kumawat, transitioning from a college student to a government employee, faced increasing familial and professional responsibilities. Yet, his passion for tree planting remained undiminished.
Tamarind, Mulberry, Ber, Amla, Peepal, Banyan, Rosewood, Mango, Jamun, Moringa, Gulmohar, Neem—there has been a variety of saplings sown over the years.
In recent years, the movement has gained significant traction, thanks in part to the growing prominence of social media and increased environmental awareness among the younger generation. "The changing environment and rising temperatures have made people more conscious of the consequences of massive tree felling," Kumawat observes.
Kumawat's dedication has transformed numerous areas in Udaipur. From Ambamata and Dheekli to Navratna Complex and Savina, tall trees stand as silent witnesses to his tireless efforts.
Particularly fond of Bel Patra trees, Kumawat has planted many around Shiva temples in Udaipur. "This monsoon, our target is to plant 5,000 trees," he announces with determination.
Kumawat’s dedication to trees is so profound that he has even taken up fights to protect them.
"The district court campus has been expanding rapidly in the past two decades with more buildings and parking spaces required to accommodate the increasing number of litigants and lawyers. I had planted 26 trees here, but every time a new building was designed, the trees had to be felled," he explains.
On one occasion, Kumawat had a confrontation with a JCB driver who was about to cut down an Ashapal tree. "The matter escalated, and I was summoned by the District Judge for an explanation. When I explained the situation, the DJ appreciated my efforts and allowed me to transplant the grown tree to another location. That tree still survives," Kumawat shares with pride.
Despite various challenges, Kumawat's mission has been steadfastly supported by his family, especially his wife Kalpana, a homemaker, and his children Jagruti and Ankur. "If it had not been for my family, I couldn't have come this far," he acknowledges. Kumawat has pledged 10,000 rupees annually towards his plantation efforts and encourages others to donate to this noble cause.
With years of working in proximity with trees, Kumawat has attained in-depth knowledge of the medicinal properties attached to each tree. He understands which part of a plant, shrub, or tree holds a magical cure for a particular disease.
"I may be a novice in technology, but it is my son and daughter who have inspired me to share informative lessons on nature and trees through my YouTube channels. People can find remedies to cure illnesses through these plant parts," he explains.
One of Kumawat's poignant concerns is the dwindling number of fruit trees. "In our childhood, we never bought fruits like mangoes, jamuns, guavas, or ber from markets. Public spaces were filled with fruit trees where children could freely pluck and enjoy them. How can a poor child afford fruits now?" This realization has driven Kumawat to focus on planting fruit trees across the city.
"Fruit trees are necessary not only for human beings but also for the various animal and bird species that rely on them. Over the past decades, I have noticed a decline in the number of birds such as Koyals, sparrows, and parrots due to the decreasing number of fruit trees. Similarly, animals like monkeys, squirrels and bats also depend on these fruits. So, we have decided to plant more fruit trees around the city to bring back their chirps and noises," he smiles.
"It is not just about planting saplings; one needs to ensure their survival. Assigning responsibility is crucial. For those who seek my assistance in plantation, like the committees of various colonies or complexes, I assign the responsibility to a person or group to make sure the saplings are properly and timely watered and are not eaten or destroyed by stray animals," says the kind-hearted soul.
Stressing the importance of every living creature on Earth, Kumawat says, "We human beings think we are the most powerful creatures, but we should realize that it's the trees, animals, and birds—the biodiversity around us—that help us sustain and grow. It's time to give back, and if we do not do our bit, the consequences will be too harsh."
Gopal Kumawat's story is a powerful reminder that individual efforts can lead to substantial change.
In a world often consumed by negativity, his dedication to planting trees embodies the adage, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
As temperatures rise and environmental conditions worsen, Kumawat's green legacy offers hope and inspiration for a sustainable future. His work stands as a testament to the profound impact one person's dedication can have on the society.
In 2000, the UN General Assembly moved the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity from December 29th to May 22nd. This date was chosen to honor the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
The annual celebration serves as a crucial platform to highlight the essential role of biodiversity in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. Through emphasizing the importance of collaborative conservation efforts, the day aims to inspire individuals, communities, and nations to take action in safeguarding the diverse web of life that sustains our planet.
In 2024, observed on Wednesday, May 22nd, the theme "Be Part of the Plan" underscores the necessity for a unified and coordinated approach to address and reverse biodiversity loss, while supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
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