A significant initiative led by the Mukulmung Joint Struggle Committee has commenced in Taplejung’s Pathibhara region to plant 20,000 rhododendron saplings. This tree plantation campaign launched with a worship ceremony, marks a concerted effort to rejuvenate the region’s biodiversity.
Under the leadership of the Construction and Conservation Struggle Committee’s coordinator, Khagendra Phembu, a variety of species including Gurans (rhododendron), Dhupi, Chimal, Raut Sallha, and Chaap have been carefully selected for planting. The saplings were sourced from local community nurseries and the district’s forest office nurseries.
“This grand tree plantation campaign is a testament to our commitment to environmental conservation. We are planting these rhododendron saplings to replenish areas where drought has affected the local biodiversity,” stated Coordinator Phembu.
The campaign, scheduled to run until Ashadh 15, aims to counteract the effects of recent environmental challenges, including the withering of numerous rhododendron bushes in the Pathibhara region over the past four years. It follows opposition by the committee to tree-cutting activities in late Baishakh, citing concerns over the impact on national flower rhododendron bushes. Rhododendron saplings are being planted in areas supported by the forest fund to ensure their sustainable growth and preservation.
This ambitious undertaking underscores community efforts to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable practices in the region.
