Known as Haryana바카라s 바카라Tree Man바카라, Devender Sura (35) is a constable in the Haryana Police. An athlete, the father of two turned environmentalist after observing the loss of forest cover in his state, and decided to reverse that on his own. His journey began in 2012, when he started plaÂnÂting trees in SonÂipat. He says, 바카라We plaÂnt 40-50k treÂes every year, with focus on Indian species like lilac, banÂyan and fig.바카라 With his father bearing all family expenses, he spends his salary on tree plantation. 바카라I바카라ve been spending all my earnings on this for the past 12 years.바카라
바카라Materialism is rising. People are cutting trees for it. As a result, bird species are losing their abodes, which is resulting in extinction of many bird specÂies,바카라 Sura says, adding, 바카라The Covid-19 pandemic was a result of us not preserving nature. We are disturbing the earth바카라s balance, and need to restore it.바카라
Through a people바카라s movement, Sura has so far connÂected with 11,500 youth across his state who plaÂnt trees, preserve them and ensure their safety. 바카라We call them Paryavaran Mitra (friends of the environment).바카라 Sura remembers a time when HarÂyÂaÂna had a lot of greenery. 바카라Our forÂest cover is 90 per cent destrÂoÂyed, and water levels are going down. I want people to become aware of the cost of materialism.바카라
Sura has opened a 바카라Janata Nursery바카라 along the SonÂiÂpat-Gohana highway, where around 25,000 sapliÂngs of various species of trees are prepared every year for distribution free of cost.
(This appeared in the print edition as "Haryana's Tree Man")
Liked the story? Do you or your friends have a similar story to share about 'ordinary' Indians making a difference to the community? Write to us. If your story is as compelling, we'll feature it online. Click here to submit.Â
