Why a tree census? you may ask
As the morning of 3rd May dawned bright and clear, it saw a gathering of a motley-group of tree-loving residents of Vasant Vihar in the A-15 park, from grandfathers to ten year olds, all dressed-up in sun protection gear and charged up for the first day of the Vasant Vihar tree census! Even though it was early on a Sunday morning, they had all gathered with great enthusiasm, with a mission to preserve our beautiful colony's green cover.
With great support from Mr Suresh Goel, Mr Vivek Kumar and Mr Vivek Tandon of the RWA and guidance from Mrs Padmavati Dwivedi, the founder of Compassionate living; the first meeting of the tree census was a delight. Mrs Dwiwedi has conducted the first ever citizens – tree census in her colony in Delhi. She guided us through a beautiful ‘Hug a Tree’ Meditation’, the serenity of which was savoured by all, followed by wonderful hot tea and snacks graciously arranged by the RWA. We then finally embarked on the actual tree census guided by Mrs Dwiwedi. Residents were divided into groups of three, and starting from one end of A-15 street the groups moved till the other end, numbering the trees with crayons and noting down vital information about each tree, such as species, health of tree, area of open space around the base of the tree etc. We found 60 trees on one street alone! The activity was greatly enjoyed by all, especially the kids. It was also an eye opener for many, as one resident on seeing a termite infested tree was greatly moved and inquired as to how it could be saved. Or as one kid came up to us and said, "Look at those barbed wires on the tree, can we do something?"
On the suggestion of residents, we will also be keeping track of new saplings, diseased trees which need to be treated or replaced and identify spots where new trees can be planted in the upcoming monsoon season. The RWA has also arranged for the numbers to be painted on the trees, so they are clearly visible to all.
Why a tree census you may ask? We are all privileged to be living in a beautiful colony like Vasant Vihar where our streets are lined with flowering Gulmohars, fragrant Neems and mighty Bodhi (Peepul) trees. However, the recent spate of construction activities has put all of these in great danger, and a thorough survey of our natural heritage will help us put a stop to the rapidly disappearing green cover. There's nothing better than connecting with the earth, with our Mother Nature and the tree census is a humble effort in this direction.
We both have fond childhood memories of having grown up in Vasant Vihar. They revolve around playing in the parks in and around A Block, fiddling with dog flowers in the neighbours’ gardens, fondling with the rustling leaves of the touch-me-nots to send them to 'sleep' on the walks back from school, counting the number of sparrows and nests on trees and strolling-hopping on sapped golden leaves to hear that lovely crushing sound. They are memories of getting up early in the morning during the Dussehra holidays to collect the fragrant flowers of the Harshingar tree before they wilted away, listening to the call of the koel echoing even on the hottest of all summer afternoons, catching butterflies in the park only to release them later and being delighted by all the sparrows which nested in any openings they could find in our houses! If you have indulged in these simple joys then you know what we are talking about. If you have not, then we urge you to come out of your houses and take on new experiences.
Under the shade of some wonderful trees we strode along and savoured the beautiful air, sights, flowers and smells. And, we will be meeting again. This is a chance for us to teach our children to respect nature and it is how we and our children can reconnect with the Earth. Come join us Vasant Vihar!
