Concern For Earth

18/08/2026

Some Glimpses...

18/08/2026

*TREE PLANTATION PROGRAMME*

—Plant Today • Breathe Tomorrow—

- *Date*: Monday, 17th August 2026
- *Venue*: Baganda Jatadhari High School (H.S.), Baganda, Shyampur, Howrah

A wonderful Tree Plantation Programme was organised at Baganda Jatadhari High School (H.S.) by the *Rotary Club of Belur,* in association with *Concern For Earth, Paryavaran Sanrakshak Gatividhi and Rashmi Ispat.*

Despite heavy and continuous rainfall, the enthusiasm of the students, teachers and participating members remained high throughout the programme.

*A Right Place for the Right Plantation*

One of the most encouraging aspects of the programme was the selection and preparation of the plantation site.
Approximately 250 metres of roadside near the school had been identified for developing a green stretch. Proper pits had already been prepared for planting around 100 saplings, consisting mainly of fruit-bearing and Neem trees.
The location appeared particularly suitable, as the trees, once established and properly nurtured, can provide greenery, shade, fruits and environmental benefits not only to the school but also to the surrounding ncommunity for many years.

*Rain Could Slow Us, Not Stop Us*
Due to the exceptionally heavy rain, it was not possible to plant all the saplings as originally planned.
However, the rain may have slowed down the plantation, but it could not dampen the enthusiasm.
A few saplings were planted amidst the pouring rain, with enthusiastic students and teachers actively participating. Umbrellas came out, hands went into the wet soil, and the plantation continued.

The remaining saplings were kept ready so that the plantation along the prepared stretch could be completed as weather conditions permit.

*Saplings Contribution*
Around 120 saplings were made available for the initiative:
*Rotary International District 3291* – 80 saplings
*Rashmi Ispat* – 30 saplings
*Concern For Earth* – 10 saplings
The initiative demonstrated how different organisations can come together with a common purpose and contribute towards creating a greener future.

*Pollution Hi Pollution Hai… A Memorable Finale*
One of the most memorable moments of the programme came when the students and teachers enthusiastically joined in singing our signature environmental song:
*“Pollution hi Pollution Hai…”*
What made the moment even more special was that each student and teacher carried a sapling in hand while singing the song.
The sight of young students holding plants and enthusiastically singing together for a cleaner and greener environment was truly the icing on the cake.

When children come forward to plant trees even in pouring rain, we know that the seeds of environmental responsibility have already been planted.

*A Step Beyond One-Day Plantation*
The programme was also used as an opportunity to take environmental activities at the school beyond a single plantation drive.
*Rtn Santosh Kumar Mohta* requested the school management to *reactivate its Eco Club,* which had remained inactive for several years, and encouraged the school to involve students regularly in meaningful environmental activities.
Through an active Eco Club, students can participate in activities such as plantation and nurturing of trees, waste reduction, reuse and recycling, awareness programmes, composting, nature conservation and other practical environmental initiatives.
The objective should be to make environmental responsibility a continuing activity rather than restricting it to special occasions.

*Plantation Is Only the Beginning*
The success of a plantation programme should ultimately be measured not merely by how many saplings are planted, but by how many are nurtured and grow into healthy trees.
With the involvement of the school, its students and the local community, this approximately 250-metre stretch has the potential to develop into a beautiful green corridor in the years ahead.
The day's programme beautifully conveyed a simple message:
*A plantation programme should not end with planting a sapling — it should plant a thought in every young mind.*

*Plant a Tree. Plant a Thought. Nurture Both.*

*Plant Today • Breathe Tomorrow*

*Nurture the Nature*

07/06/2026

24/05/2026

Every Sunday, our dedicated team comes together with one common purpose — *to make Kolkata cleaner, greener, and more aware*

After a short break during the election period, we have once again resumed our weekly cleanliness and awareness drives with renewed energy and commitment.

On 17th May, over 50 volunteers gathered at *Motijheel Bridge, CIT Road*, and carried out an impactful cleanup drive.

Along with cleaning the area, we interacted with local residents and passersby, spread awareness about cleanliness, responsible waste disposal, and community participation.

*The most encouraging part of the drive was the response from the local community. Several residents appreciated the initiative, joined hands with the volunteers, and even sent young children from their homes to participate in cleaning the area.*

*It was heartwarming to see children actively taking part, learning the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility from such a young age.*

The initiative is not just about removing garbage; it is about changing mindsets. Instead of only speaking about cleanliness, the volunteers chose to lead through action — inspiring people by cleaning the surroundings right in front of them.

These weekly drives are gradually becoming a movement of responsible citizenship, reminding everyone that a *Cleaner Kolkata begins with collective effort and consistent action*.

Santosh Mohta
Concern For Earth
Rotary Club of Belur

16/05/2026

*Follow-up Report on Medicinal Plant Garden*

A follow-up visit was made by me to the Medicinal Plant Garden established on 1st January 2026 at Mahavir Seva Sadan, Joka.

It was heartening to observe that almost all the Medicinal Plants are growing wonderfully well and the overall growth of the Garden has been fantastic.

The Greenery and Healthy Development of the Plants clearly reflect the care and maintenance being undertaken at the premises.

An encouraging aspect noticed during the visit was that *people associated with the institution have started using and understanding the importance of these medicinal plants in daily life* This fulfills the very objective behind creation of the garden.

Out of all the varieties planted, Two varieties — Paan and Stevia — could not survive. Plans are already underway to replant these varieties shortly.

To further enrich the garden, a few more Medicinal Plant Varieties are proposed to be added in next phase, which will make the garden even more Informative, Diverse, and Beneficial for Visitors and Patients.

The initiative continues to stand as a beautiful example of How environmental awareness, Traditional knowledge, and Community participation can come together meaningfully.