Content:
- Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests created in Prayagraj in last two years using Miyawaki Technique
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests created in Prayagraj in last two years using Miyawaki Technique
Project Overview
- Dense forests developed across Prayagraj to provide a clean and healthy atmosphere for Mahakumbh 2025.
- Utilized Miyawaki technique to create multiple oxygen banks over two years.
- Aims to improve air quality, promote environmental conservation, and manage industrial waste.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment, Environmental Governance )
Locations & Plantations
- Naini Industrial Area: Largest plantation with 1.2 lakh trees from 63 species.
- Baswar Dump Yard: 27,000 trees from 27 species planted after cleaning the city’s largest garbage dump.
- Total area covered: 55,800 sq. meters across 10 locations.
Species Planted
- Fruit-bearing trees: Mango, Mahua, Amla, Lemon, Tamarind, etc.
- Medicinal plants: Tulsi, Brahmi, Drumstick (Sahjan).
- Ornamental plants: Hibiscus, Kadamba, Bougainvillea, Gulmohar.
- Other trees: Neem, Peepal, Teak, Arjuna, Bamboo, Sheesham, Mahogany, Kaner, Kachnar.
Environmental Benefits
- Air Quality Improvement: Reduced dust, dirt, and foul odours.
- Temperature Regulation: Dense forests lower temperature by 4 to 7°C during summers.
- Biodiversity Boost: Creates habitats for birds and animals.
- Soil Health: Prevents soil erosion and improves soil fertility.
- Pollution Control: Absorbs carbon, reduces air and water pollution.
Expert Insights
- Dr. N.B. Singh (former Botany professor):
- Dense forests reduce the temperature difference between day and night.
- Help improve biodiversity and soil fertility.
- Offer habitats for wildlife, thus improving the ecological balance.
Miyawaki Technique Highlights
- Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
- Involves dense planting of native species to mimic natural forests.
- 10x faster growth compared to traditional methods.
- Ideal for urban spaces and polluted lands.
- Benefits:
- Improves soil quality and biodiversity.
- Carbon absorption and temperature control.
- Waste management and pollution reduction.
- Ecological restoration of barren and degraded lands.
Significance for Mahakumbh 2025
- Ensures clean air for millions of devotees expected to visit.
- Strengthens environmental conservation efforts.
- Showcase of sustainable urban planning in Prayagraj.
Relevance for Environmental Governance:
- Emphasizes urban afforestation as a tool for climate mitigation.
- Aligns with India’s climate commitments under SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- Demonstrates waste management through ecological restoration.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
Introduction
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated biennially on January 9th to honor the Indian diaspora’s contributions.
- Established in 2003 under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a platform to engage overseas Indians.
- Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to promote India’s global outreach.
- Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915.
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2025)
- Scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Theme: “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Key Highlights:
- Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Day 1):
- Inaugurated by EAM, Youth Affairs Minister, and Odisha CM.
- Focus on reconnecting Pravasi youth with their roots.
- Day 2: Inauguration by PM Modi
- Launch of Pravasi Bharatiya Express under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
- Inauguration of four exhibitions:
- Vishwaroop Ram – Legacy of Ramayana.
- Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology.
- Evolution of Indian Diaspora – Mandvi to Muscat.
- Heritage and Culture of Odisha.
- Day 3: Valedictory Session
- Closing remarks by President Droupadi Murmu.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards presented to NRIs/PIOs for their contributions.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)
- Prestigious award conferred on NRIs/PIOs for outstanding achievements.
- Presented by the President of India during the valedictory session.
- Recognizes contributions in education, science, arts, trade, social work, and philanthropy.
Themes of Plenary Sessions (2025)
- Diaspora Youth Leadership: Encouraging global youth engagement.
- Migrant Skills: Stories of bridging cultural and social gaps.
- Sustainable Development: Diaspora’s role in green initiatives.
- Women’s Leadership: Celebrating Nari Shakti among diaspora women.
- Cultural Connections: Exploring shared cultural heritage.
17th PBD Convention (2023)
- Held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (Jan 8-10, 2023).
- Theme: “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal”.
- Distinguished guests: Presidents of Guyana and Suriname.
Objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
- Recognize contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress.
- Promote India’s image abroad through the diaspora.
- Strengthen India’s causes on global platforms.
- Facilitate engagement between overseas Indians and their homeland.
Significance of PBD
- Enhances India’s soft power by building connections with the global diaspora.
- Fosters cultural, economic, and technological exchanges.
- Supports India’s global aspirations through diaspora contributions.
Conclusion
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrates the Indian diaspora as a valuable asset in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. It highlights the diaspora’s role in nation-building, emphasizing cultural pride, technological advancements, and sustainable development. Through PBD, India strengthens its global ties and channels the expertise and resources of its overseas community for national progress.
