The Monsoon Plantation Drive 2019 was organized on 28 August at the Dheerpur Wetland Project site which saw enthusiastic participation from the AUD community. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Anu Singh Lather, Vice-Chancellor, Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) who planted a sapling of Sita Ashok (Saraca asoca) and Mahua (Mahua longifolia). Prof. Salil Misra, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, AUD, Dr. Mohammad Sharique Farooqi, Registrar, Dr. Santosh Singh, Dean, Student Services, several faculty members, senior administrative staff and students of the University also visited the site and participated in the plantation drive. The plantation itself is part of the overall restoration plan for rejuvenating the Wetland, and hence only native species found in natural forests of Yamuna flood plains are introduced.

The event began at 8:30 a.m. with the VC inaugurating the drive by planting the first sapling. Participants (AUD staff and students) of the plantation drive picked their choice of sapling to plant from a list of twenty-two native species. Everyone who planted were enrolled in the Centre’s Tree Stewardship Program, wherein a unique Identity Card was provided corresponding to their selected tree species with details, along with a Tree Code- matching the location of the sapling in the wetland. Through this program, the Centre aims to encourage people to not just plant a sapling, but also act as responsible stewards who ensure the well being and long-term survival of the sapling.

The enthusiastic participation from the University community lead to plantation of 175 saplings belonging to 22 native species.

1) Ashok (Polyalthia longifolia) (India Fir)

2) Sita ashok (Saraca asoca) (Ashoka Tree)

3) Gular (Ficus racemosa) (Cluster Fig)

4) Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) (Honey Tree)

5) Babul (Acacia nilotica) (Egyptian Thorn)

6) Khair (Acacia catechu) (Black Catechu)

7) Jamun (Syzygium cumini) (Indian Blackberry)

8) Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) (Arjun)

9) Lathi Bans (Dendrocalamus strictus) (Solid Bamboo)

10) Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) (Variegated Bauhinia)

11) Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba ) (Wild Cinchona)

12) Maulsari (Mimusops elengi) (Indian Medlar)

13) Amaltas (Cassia fistula) (Indian Laburnum)

14) Dhak (Butea monosperma) (Flame of the Forest)

15) Ankole (Alangium salviifolium) (Sage Leaved Alangium)

16) Pilkhan (Ficus virens) (White Fig)

17) Kumbhi (Careya arborea) (Wild Guava)

18) Udal (Sterculia villosa) (Elephant Rope Tree)

19) Haldu (Haldina cordifolia) (Yellow Teak)

20) Bans (Bambusa vulgaris) (Golden bamboo)

21) Dhungre bans (Dendrocalamus giganteus) (Giant Bamboo)

22) Baheda (Terminalia bellirica) (Bedda Nut Tree)

The plantation drive was followed by an interaction over tea with the Vice Chancellor, CUES team, participants and volunteers.