Wake Up Ludhiana: DC flags off tree ATM-3.0, one lakh saplings planted since onset of rainy season

Ludhiana, July 5, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney on Friday initiated the tree ATM-3.0 as part of the "Wake up Ludhiana" mission. The program is in collaboration with NGO Cityneeds and supported by NGO Act Humane, Small Idea Great Idea, Marshal Aid, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The tree ATM-3.0 will distribute 35000 free saplings to the public.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney informed that the district administration has already started a mass tree plantation drive during this monsoon, with a target to plant 11 lakh saplings in Ludhiana. They have already planted 1 lakh saplings since the onset of rainy season. She said that mass plantation drives have also been planned by District Administration on July 12 and 14. She said that their main aim would be to increase the green cover in areas that lack it.

Accompanied by MC Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of every citizen contributing to the well-being of the environment, making this plantation campaign a people's movement. She also urged the people to prioritize environmental conservation by planting a sapling near their houses, which will be provided to them free of cost.

Jasdev Singh Sekhon, Assistant Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana said that they aim to plant 35,000 trees, significantly enhancing Ludhiana's green cover with an aim of survival rate of 80% of the plants.

Maneet Dewan, Director, CityNeeds said that to receive free saplings, individuals can give a missed call to 7877778803, and the saplings will be delivered to their doorsteps. In addition to distributing saplings, the team will also educate about proper tree care and offer support for plantation activities. Those ordering the plants will also sign an undertaking to take care of the plants.

He said that there will teams of Marshal Aid volunteers who will visit the locations, prepare the area by drilling the hole for plantation and thereafter trees will be planted by the team. All the locations where trees are planted will be stored in mobile app which will store the geo-tagged location which will be tracked by CityNeeds periodically. 

In addition, the administration had also launched a photography competition called "Capture Ludhiana: Moments of Green" on June 15 to raise awareness about environmental conservation among citizens, especially the younger generation of Ludhiana. Participants can send in their entries for the photography competition event via email to [email protected] with the subject line "Wake up Ludhiana Photography Competition". The deadline for submitting entries is July 15, 2024. Certificates and cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners by the Deputy Commissioner. Winning photographs will be featured in local media, on the official initiative website, and in public exhibitions.

A 'Green Hackathon' was also started on June 12, in which people have to identify environmental issues in their localities and propose effective measures to address them. If their suggestions are deemed actionable and results-oriented, the administration will honour and implement their ideas. Participants can register through [email protected], and the last date for registration is also July 15, 2024.