Present capitalist economic system has gifted a destructive gift to the entire world: humanity, earth, and planets! Environmental crisis has resulted due to a lifestyle and pattern of consumerism by almost all citizens, nationally and globally. Existence of entire world community is experiencing a dangerous situation. Concrete jungles are rampant, natural jungles consisting of plants and trees are reduced drastically, resulting in ozone layer taking place at a catastrophic stage! Reservoirs of water resources are being greatly minimalised.
Pollution affects foods and health, which increases new diseases day-to-day. If this situation would prevail, continuously, then, healthy food, air, water wouldn’t be available to future generations! Crisis of environment like global warming, polluted air and water, change of natural cycle of seasons (summer, spring, monsoon), destruction of life-species on earth and in sea would haunt us.
All such man-made issues can be resolved only by minimisation of consumerism, balances environment with creating awareness within our society by planting the trees on a large scale, which is the sole responsibility of all citizens. In order to accomplish our responsibility, on the occasion of the Independence Day of 15th August, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Gujarat Zone conducted the activities of plantation of around 4000 trees, across the city of Ahmedabad, followed by a system of taking care of the said plantations! It was aimed at eradicating pollution from air, and experience independence from pollution and to enjoy fresh air for a meaningful healthy lifestyle.
The motivating source of this environmental activity is actually inspired by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who during his lifetime, gave a model of novel work of plantation of 500 plants! Followed by promotion of such activities, the benefits enjoyed and experienced thereof by animals, birds, human beings shall be considered sadqua, and rewarded in the life hereafter! On this occasion plantation activities were carried out at certain Masjids, Madrasas, Schools, Police Stations, both sides of roads, residential societies, and within open space of certain houses. It was observed as a great task. This noble work is now transformed into a campaign and might help in accomplishing the dream of Clean & Green Ahmedabad!
To make this awareness campaign a success, the generous and kind support of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, its staff of Garden Department, its officers, Municipal Councillors, Gayatri Parivartan, AZEEM, other NGOs was witnessed. Chief Guests were respected Ameer-e-Halqa, Shakeel Ahmed Rajput, Sabir Kabliwala (ex-Legislator), Councillors Haji Asrar Beg Mirza, Samir Khan Pathan, Police Inspector Shri Rohit Sir, who participated, and added colour of motivation to the campaign. Plantation activities were well managed and coordinated by Mr Iqbal Ahmed Mirza, Secretary Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Gujarat Zone.
[The writer is Media Secretary, JIH Gujarat]