Amritsar, June 13 The joint project of EcoSikh and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) to create a dense forest on one-acre land inside the varsity has begun. While the blueprint of the project is being prepared by Ecosikh, a US-based environment NGO, the university will provide research as well as resource. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, had announced the initiation of Guru Nanak Sacred Forest (Bagichi), last week. It would contribute in cleaning the air and increasing oxygen level by 30 per cent. The forest will be developed using Japanese method of Miyawaki that ensures quick and dense growth of native species of trees. “The trees that will be planted include peepal, sheesham, neem, mango, jamun, kikar, mulberry, amaltas, guggal, etc. These are the native trees of the undivided Punjab and take less water consumption to grow quickly. These trees have long lives, over 100 years some cases, and are self maintained. Also, the purpose is to not just plant, but also ensure survival and creation of a dense green area that contributes to the air quality in city,’ said Dr JS Bilga, consultant horticulturist, GNDU. EcoSikh will host a workshop to provide training to students for creating such forests in future as well. The method adopted will be through conventional planting, along with restoration and recovery of several old tress as well. Such forests have already been planted at several sites in Bhatinda and Ludhiana, Another sacred forest would be created at Khadoor Sahib as well while the work on several other sites in Mohali and other cities have also begun.—TNS

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