Chandigarh, July 10 (IANS) In a major push toward urban ecological restoration, the 133 Eco Task Force, operating under the aegis of the TA Group Headquarters Western Command, on Friday, participated in a mega sapling plantation drive at the Daddu Majra dumping ground here.

The initiative was organised as part of the van mahotsav celebration held in close collaboration with the Chandigarh administration.

The environmental drive was officially inaugurated by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

The Daddu Majra dumping ground, historically known for its waste management challenges, became the focal point of a massive environmental reclamation effort.

Driven by this year’s national van mahotsav theme “Healing the Earth through Greener Initiatives”, the campaign focused heavily on transforming ecological blind spots into vibrant green lungs for the city.

The primary highlights of the sapling plantation event included massive military participation.

Turning the tide against urban pollution, the disciplined personnel of the 133 Eco Task Force successfully planted nearly 4,000 saplings in a single day at four different locations, including the Chandimandir military station.

The drive wasn’t limited to defense personnel.

Reflecting the true spirit of a community-driven movement, various administration departments and students from several government schools actively planted saplings alongside the task force.

During the inauguration, Governor Kataria commended the unwavering commitment of the 133 Eco Task Force.

He emphasised that the involvement of Territorial Army units brings a level of structure and long-term nurturing essential for the survival of the newly planted saplings.

“Van Mahotsav is not just a one-day photo opportunity, it is a lifelong commitment to nature,” the Governor said.

Highlighting Chandigarh’s environmental initiatives, Governor Kataria termed the transformation of the Daddu Majra dumping ground into a green plantation zone as a remarkable example of scientific planning and sustained efforts.

He said the project demonstrated how degraded land could be converted into a valuable green asset for future generations.

Stressing that the success of plantation drives should be measured by the survival rate of trees rather than merely the number planted, Governor Kataria called for scientific plantation, regular monitoring and long-term maintenance.

With the monsoon setting in across the region, the Chandigarh Forest Department and the 133 Eco Task Force have put structural monitoring plans in place to ensure a high survival rate for the 4,000 newly planted saplings.

–IANS

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