barublogRestoring Punjab’s Green Cover with Guru Nanak Sacred Jungles
To address Punjab’s declining groundwater levels and restore its shrinking forest cover (currently just 3.52%), the Punjab Forest Department and Eco Sikh organization have taken a significant step. They are implementing the Miyawaki forestation method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, to rapidly increase tree density and rejuvenate the state’s ecosystem.
Mass Plantation Drive Across Punjab
The Forest Department has already established Guru Nanak Sacred Jungles (Pavittar Jungles) in over 2,000 villages out of Punjab’s 12,800, planting 11 lakh trees so far. This initiative is being carried out at a large scale to restore lost green cover and combat climate change.
Eco Sikh’s Role in Expanding Greenery
Eco Sikh, a key partner in this initiative, has deployed 15 mobilizers across Punjab to plant Nanak Bagichis, mini forests created using the Miyawaki method. These forests are being developed in spaces as small as 180 sq ft to one-acre plots, with the organization successfully planting 14 dense forests in Punjab. Additionally, villages are receiving 550 tree plantations each to support long-term environmental sustainability.
Miyawaki Method – A Game-Changer for Punjab
Eco Sikh began its global plantation drives last year, with a target of planting lakhs of trees by Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary celebrations. Recognizing the effectiveness of the Miyawaki method, they officially adopted it in March. This method ensures rapid forest growth, high biodiversity, and enhanced groundwater retention, making it ideal for small land areas.
Government’s Commitment to Large-Scale Afforestation
Jatinder Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, highlighted Punjab’s low forest cover (6.8%) and land constraints, as 84% of the state is under agricultural use. However, the government aims to increase tree plantations from 35 lakh (2018-19) to 75 lakh (2019-20) through this initiative. Monsoon rains will further accelerate the growth of the newly planted saplings, ensuring dense and self-sustaining forests.
A Vision for a Greener, Water-Secure Punjab
Pavneet Singh, Assistant Manager at Eco Sikh, emphasized that Guru Nanak Sacred Jungles are a call to action for people to follow Guru Nanak’s teachings and contribute to environmental conservation. By expanding these forests, Punjab aims to reverse deforestation, restore groundwater, and create a sustainable future.
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