Berhampur: A group of social and environmental activists here on Sunday launched a plantation drive to commemorate the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, urging devotees returning from the holy dip in Sangam to participate in the initiative.
On the first day of the drive, around 12 people, including some who have recently returned from Maha Kumbh, planted banyan, peepal and mango saplings in the First Gate area here. Activists pledged to nurture and protect the saplings, providing iron guards to ensure their safety.
“The initiative aims to encourage planting among devotees as a way to remember their spiritual journey,” said Sibaram Panigrahy, president of Berhampur Sabuja Bahini, an organisation dedicated to plantation and tree protection. He added that the drive would continue for more days, extending beyond the Maha Kumbh. “While the organisation provides saplings free of cost, devotees bear the expense of iron guards and their maintenance,” said Panigrahy.
Retired botany professor Sachidanand Padhy said, “Just as taking a holy dip at Sangam is sacred, planting a sapling is also a divine act that helps counter global warming.”