RoundGlass Foundation celebrates planting 1 million (10 lakh) native trees in Punjab

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 20, 2022: RoundGlass Foundation, a Mohali-based not-for-profit, has achieved a landmark milestone of planting 1 million native trees in Punjab. To celebrate the occasion, the Foundation organized a plantation drive today at Kheri Bir Singh village in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and participated in the plantation drive. Since 2019, RoundGlass Foundation has planted over 1 million trees (10 lakh), creating over 800 mini forests in Punjab, across 978 villages. The plantation drive is part of the Foundation’s Plant for Punjab programme.

Hayer, who takes care of the Environment portfolio among others, said, “I appreciate the efforts of RoundGlass Foundation towards reforesting Punjab, which has amongst the lowest forest covers in India. Planting more trees, especially native species, binds the soil and enhances its fertility. It also enriches the local biodiversity by reviving the local bird population. I am here to support this movement and would encourage Panchayats, farmers and local civic bodies to join RoundGlass Foundation by offering their land to set up mini forests, at no charge, for this worthy cause to green Punjab."

The local MLA from Bassi Pathana, Mr Rupinder Singh, also lent his support to RoundGlass Foundation by attending the event. “RoundGlass Foundation is creating beautiful mini forests across the villages of Punjab. We’d like to extend all possible help and support to their future reforestation activities as they directly benefit each and every individual of the state,” said Mr Singh.

Vishal Chowla, Leader, RoundGlass Foundation, expressed his gratitude towards Mr Hayer for participating in the celebrations and thanked the people of Punjab for helping RoundGlass Foundation reach this milestone. “This year, our team has done remarkable work in mobilizing resources, identifying locations, liaising with Panchayats, preparing the land, and finally energizing the youth and communities to get involved in the planting opportunities. The local communities, youth and the state administration have been very helpful and generous in their support for all our reforestation efforts across the state. We are very energized by this achievement and support and are moving towards our next goal – planting another 2 million (20 lakh) trees by the end of 2023, taking the tally to a total of 3 million (30 lakh) trees,” said Chowla

Planting more trees, especially native species, binds the soil and enhances its fertility. Reforestation activities also mitigate climate change, regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion and desertification, and restore wildlife habitats. They also improve the health and livelihoods of local communities.