Manipur’s Green Crusader: How One Man Planted Over 1 Lakh Trees to Revive the Forests
Summary
In the heart of Manipur’s Bualjang Hills, environmentalist Anish Ahamad has embarked on a remarkable journey of reforestation. Over nearly three decades, he has single-handedly planted over 100,000 trees and distributed more than 40,000 saplings to local communities, all without formal support or infrastructure. Operating from a home-based nursery, Anish uses traditional, eco-friendly techniques to nurture saplings, aiming to increase green cover in both remote and urban areas. His efforts extend to school campuses, crematoriums, roadsides, and public parks throughout Manipur, inspiring many locals to join him in restoring the region’s forests.
The Man Behind the Mission: Who Is Anish Ahamad?
Anish Ahamad, a native of the Bualjang Hills in Manipur, has dedicated nearly 30 years to combating deforestation through tree planting and forest restoration. Without formal support or infrastructure, he has planted over 100,000 trees and distributed more than 40,000 saplings to local communities free of cost.
The Method: How Anish Nurtures Nature
Operating a home-based nursery using traditional, eco-friendly techniques, Anish collects seeds and nurtures saplings, focusing on increasing green cover in both remote hills and urban areas. His efforts have extended to school campuses, crematoriums, roadsides, and public parks throughout Manipur.
The Impact: Greening Manipur
Anish’s dedication has led to the planting of over 100,000 trees and the distribution of more than 40,000 saplings to local communities. His work has not only increased the green cover in Manipur but also inspired many locals to join him in efforts to restore the region’s forests.
The Bigger Picture: Deforestation in Manipur
Manipur’s ecological balance faces growing threats from development and deforestation. Satellite maps confirm that Manipur lost a massive 748 sq. km. of forest cover between 2017 and 2021, with a significant portion in Tamenglong district alone.
The Inspiration: A Legacy of Green Warriors
Anish’s work is part of a broader tradition of environmental activism in Manipur. For instance, Moirangthem Loiya has replanted the approximately 300-acre Punshilok forest in the Langol hill range, demonstrating the power of individual action in forest conservation.
The Future: Sustaining the Green Movement
Anish’s long-term commitment highlights the significant impact that sustained individual action can have in preserving the environment and promoting a greener future. Authorities encourage more such initiatives to protect the environment.
FAQs
Q1: How did Anish Ahamad start his tree-planting journey?
Anish began his mission nearly 30 years ago, driven by a deep-rooted love for nature and a commitment to combat deforestation in Manipur.
Q2: What techniques does Anish use in his nursery?
He employs traditional, eco-friendly methods to collect seeds and nurture saplings, focusing on sustainable practices that align with the local ecosystem.
Q3: How has Anish’s work impacted local communities?
By distributing over 40,000 saplings and educating communities about environmental conservation, Anish has fostered a culture of environmental stewardship among locals.
Q4: What challenges does Manipur face regarding deforestation?
Between 2017 and 2021, Manipur lost a significant amount of forest cover, with 748 sq. km. disappearing, highlighting the urgent need for reforestation efforts.
Q5: How can individuals contribute to combating deforestation?
Individuals can participate in tree-planting initiatives, support local environmental organizations, and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives to contribute to forest conservation.
