As a measure to contribute to the cause of ‘global climate change’ EPTRI playing a key role in promoting the flag ship programme of Telangana Ku Haritha Haram, which is going like a movement in the Telangana State. Today being the birthday of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao garu, EPTRI has taken up planting of trees in a massive manner in and around the campus.
C. Partha Sarathi, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government and Director General, EPTRI, Sri S.D. Mukherji, IFS, (Rtd.) Advisor, Dr. M.Bhanja, IFS (Rtd.) Heads of Departments, Scientists, Environmental Engineers, all employees of EPTRI and Shri Padmachary President Telangana Udyogula Sangam and its office bearers participated in the programme and planted saplings of various species.
Speaking on this occasion Partha Sarathi, IAS said that EPTRI is a unique scientific and research institute committed for the environmental protection. He said that EPTRI is covered with about 200 plant species which are categorised as Tree, Shrubs, Herbs. Many plantation activities have been taken up by the institute to improve the green cover in the city. EPTRI engaged itself in propagation of important medicinal and aromatic plants in its tissue culture lab. Herbal Garden is being established in EPTRI. Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) is building up in our atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
As a part of promoting climate change initiatives, EPTRI took up several projects on resilient agricultural practices in drought prone areas of Telangana, Rejuvenation of Urban Forest Blocks which are lung spaces for the citizens, livelihood projects, capacity building programmes to farming community etc. This promotes increase of present tree cover of 24% in the state to 33% of the total geographical area.
Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. An acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people. Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture. Studies have shown that patients with a view of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complication. Trees hold Economic values and also used as timber yielding plants and some of them have Medicinal values used to treat various ailments.
