Task 3
My Environmental Role Model (Super Hero)
Trees are important for future generations, and no one knows this better than us. Everywhere we hear and read about global warming and the impacts it is having on our health and society. On one hand, when some agencies pretend that they do not understand the harmful impacts of chopping down trees, there are those like Prabha Devi that plant an entire forest of 500 trees in her village in Uttarakhand, India.
Meet Prabha Devi, the 76-year-old who planted an entire forest in her village in Uttarakhand. The green cover includes more than 500 trees of different species, including oak, rhododendron, cinnamon, soap nut (reetha) and more, reports Himalayan Ghat. Hailing from Palashat, a village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Prabha Devi took up this initiative in her early years and still continues at it.
Speaking to a leading newspaper, she said, “There was a steep increase in deforestation activities in and around our village. People want to construct new buildings or resorts after chopping trees and the entire ecosystem of forests was getting disturbed. I felt sad to see the forests being mercilessly cut down for fulfilling the materialistic needs of humans. My family had a small piece of land that was left uncultivated. I started planting trees on that land and even around my home. Now, it has turned into a dense forest, and I aim to plant more trees on barren land.”
Prabha was married off at the early age of 16 and received no formal education. She may not be educated, but she is bursting with knowledge on how to take care of trees. Having learnt all the methods of plantation by herself, she is an expert on the terrain conditions and other details critical for tree growth.
Her efforts have earned Prabha Devi the moniker of ‘Friend of Tree’ in her village. The depletion of underground water table was a major concern in her village. As a solution, she suggested planting trees of local species like Baanj in nearby regions to enhance the water holding capacity. Besides, these trees also provide fodder for cattle or can be used in agro-based activities that many locals rely upon.
Prabha Devi’s son, Manish Semwal, told a leading newspaper, “When we invite Mother to visit the city for a day, she simply refuses to come. She is deeply rooted in the Garhwali culture and strongly feels that our forests are as much important as the rituals which we solemnly swear by. Since all of us have moved out, she lends the produce from the forest to the local community members.” With people like Prabha Devi working to save the environment in their own ways, all hope is not lost yet for Mother Earth.
Its people like Prabha Devi that inspire me to use the blessings that have been bestowed on me through my parents, friends and family and use them for the betterment of my community. The small steps of today will become big changes of tomorrow.
For those who know me, would know that I am a big fan of the avengers and I can proudly say that its people like Prabha Devi that are the true superheroes of this world.
Sean Sanoop George
Students For the Earth Ambassador
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