Dhading. Mud in the rain, dust in the sun. Muddy and dusty all year round. It used to be a constant torment for the locals. This story of Ramkot Road is slowly changing. As the new blacktop road begins to change its appearance, greenery is now being added to it.
With the planting of trees on the roadside of never-ending dust, mud flowing in the rain, and difficult for pedestrians, a special hope has arisen among the villagers. Energy has been added. Local Thakur Kumal, who was planting trees on the roadside on Saturday on the occasion of National Arbor Day, said, ‘This is not just a tree we planted, this is a dream that will grow from the dust and mud. In a few years, whoever walks on this road will be able to feel this village, road and greenery.’
On the occasion of National Arbor Day, various species of saplings were planted on the Ramkot road side of Nilkantha Municipality-8 on Saturday. Three hundred large saplings up to 6 feet tall were planted with the aim of turning Ramkot road, which is on the border of the village and the city, into a circle of greenery. Kalki, jacaranda, camphor, ashoka and asare flowers along with ‘tree guards’ have been planted under the organization of the Division Forest Office and the management of Nilkantha Municipality-8.
Division Chief of the Division Forest Office, Bishnu Prasad Acharya, said, ‘The saplings planted today are the foundation of greenery for tomorrow. If we can protect it, the impact of such campaigns will last for generations. Roadside tree planting will play an important role in controlling dust and noise pollution, providing shade, preventing land erosion, and conserving biodiversity. Along with beauty, environmental protection and community participation will help.
Division Forest Officer Acharya, who was walking around measuring the depth of each plant, said, “We have started it, now it is the responsibility of the villagers to protect it.” Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Ward Chairman of Neelkantha Municipality-8, believes that tree planting on the roadside will not only improve beauty but also reduce accidents, balance temperature and have a positive impact on environmental education.
He said that this campaign, which was launched with the aim of converting Ramkot Road into a green road, is expected to spread the positive impact of tree planting in Neelkantha Municipality and surrounding areas.
“Yesterday, we are planting trees on the roadside where we had to walk while slipping in the mud. Now, after some time, when these plants will provide shade and bloom, this road will become the pride of our ward. The trees will welcome anyone who uses this road,’ said Ward Chairman Shrestha, ‘We will continue this campaign and make it a brand of green villages.’
When there is greenery along the road, it will not only bring joy to those walking on the road, but it will also help in a healthy lifestyle. Local leader Bhagwati Poudel said that the plants planted now will bring joy and memories to future generations. She said, ‘If we can see our village becoming green like the city roads, this is a sign of progress.’ Now, it is not only our responsibility to plant, but also to grow it. The old women who were digging holes to plant trees on the side of the road were saying, ‘We may plant trees and go, but when these trees grow up, our children will definitely remember us when they walk.’
The Ramkot road, which had been rising from dust, mud, and neglect, stands today with trees – a symbol of creativity, beauty, and possibility. After some time, this road will come alive, bloom, and spread fragrance. Then the residents of this village will be able to proudly say, ‘We planted, our hope grew.’
The tree planting program has further increased the potential for a green campaign on both sides of the Ramkot road. The Division Forest Office has also stated that further tree plantation can be expanded with the participation of locals, and has also called on all citizens to plant trees in their own names or in the names of their ancestors.
Division Forest Officer Acharya informed that the Division Forest Office will provide saplings under subsidy to every household that wants to plant saplings in their own names or in the names of their ancestors. He said that they are ready to provide large saplings as part of the campaign to make Dhadingbesi and its surroundings a model town and make the entire district green.
Most people also suggest starting similar tree plantation practices in gardens and around houses. After such saplings grow, the beauty of the village and the road will increase even more. This hilly road from the district headquarters Dhadingbesi to the ward office will become a model road in Nepal. Domestic and foreign tourists will be attracted to see the flowers and greenery growing along the roadside.
Nature and Culture Conservator Dr. Nabinbandu Pahadi says that the tree plantation program conducted in collaboration with the Division Forest Office and the local government has laid the foundation for developing Ramkot Marg as a green route. Now, when local residents participate in tree planting with the spirit of ‘your tree, your name’, this campaign is expected to convey cultural, family and community messages as well.
Preparations are also being made to make the ‘Green Campaign’ a regular program of the ward. The plants planted last year are also growing along the roadside. The plants growing along the roadside are now not only an environmental beauty, but also a living symbol of appreciation, memory and identity.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्