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Hindustan Times,
January 27, 2009
THE FOREST Department in Agra has embarked on a mission to save the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution by planting Tulsi (basil) saplings in the city. On the occasion of Republic Day on Monday, thousands of saplings were planted in Agra, especially around the Taj Mahal, and distributed free by forest officials. Senior officials - including the Commissioner, IG, DIG, SSP, and the DM, besides senior Forest Department officials - planted saplings in front of the marble monument and appealed to the people to take to Tulsi plantation in a big way.
Terming this the first such campaign of its kind in the country, Zonal Forest Conservator R.P. Bharti told told HT here on Tuesday, "This plant has a great potential to ensure a pollution-free environment. We are trying to reach out to people by involving students for this endeavour." He said today the city had a population of around 15 lakh and the number of existing tulsi plants was 6 lakh and added plantation and protection of some 10 lakh more saplings was the need of the hour. Bharti said the plantation drive should get over by August this year and added the department would generate 2.5 lakh plants on its own.
The plantation is being done on forestland, between rows of tall trees. Schools and village councils are being told to take to tulsi plantation. "we have a target of planting 20 lakh tulsi saplings and their protection," bharti said. He said the plants would the Agra environment from pollution and this would indirectly take care of the health of the heritage monuments, including the Taj Mahal. Divisional Forest Official (DFO) N.K. Janoo said, "The plant has the potential to clean the air. Because the plant has religious association, too, people would take care of it."
Officials informed HT that ORGANIC INDIA - an MNC dealing in production and marketing of Organic Tulsi Tea, Organic Herbal Supplements and premium Psyllium (Isabgol) - has joined hands with the Forest Department by agreeing to donate 20,000 Tulsi saplings. ORGANIC INDIA's CEO Krishan Guptaa said, "We promises to provide 1000000 Tulsi sapling for plantation around of the Taj Mahal and in the city." The company grows Tulsi plants on certified organic farms in Azamgarh and package them at our factory in Lucknow for export purposes.
Cultivated for over 5,000 years throughout India, Tulsi is considered "The Queen of Herbs".
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