Village Plants Over A Hundred Trees Whenever A Girl Is Delivered – Now It's A Full-Fledged Forest

Jun 02, 2020

The increasing global population is doing more harm than good to the environment. However, the case is different in the village of Piplantri in India, where people plant 111 trees anytime a girl is born. They believe in supporting the ecological and economic future of their generations. They are moved by a tradition of making the world a better place to live by keeping it greener all year round.

In 2006, the remote village of Piplantri in Rajasthan, India, lost a young daughter of the former village leader Shyam Sundar Paliwal. The event surprised the villagers, and they decided to cherish the memories of the little girl. The residents of this village chose to celebrate the girl's life uniquely. The villagers implemented the Paliwal Initiative to kickstart the planting of 111 trees as a way of celebrating the birth of every newborn girl in the village.

The Hindu reports that apart from planting the trees, the villagers also ensure that the girls survive and grow old. Donations of up to $410 are collected from the village residents and the family of the baby girl, which goes towards a fixed deposit account to take care of the girl right through to adulthood.

Piplantri witnesses on average 65-70 new girl births every year, reports The Guardian. It is believed that 111 is a lucky number, according to Paliwal. The figure brings success, so every birth of a girl has to be honored. Since the planting of the first tree, there has been a growth of more than 350,000 more trees around Piplantri.

The trees indicate that the village's future is greener, and the town cares about girls' welfare. Also, the Indian government has put up measures to prevent female feticide, benefiting the village. The rules prohibit the testing of the gender of a fetus.

The girls’ parents, grandparents, and all relatives have to do the tree planting, but the village panchayat ensures that no effort goes to waste. There are well-organized women self-help groups, older women, and aunt groups, among others, to take care of the trees.

There are also doorstep programs and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about women empowerment. The campaign assures the villagers that the trees will cover the expenses of all girls in the future. One of the objectives of the scheme was to bring financial freedom to women.

They enjoy tree planting because trees provide food, energy, and increased income for the 8,000 villagers. It encourages long-term socio-economic and environmental sustainability. Plants also give them fresh air, high water levels, and more abundant wildlife. The trees planted were Aloe vera, mango, and neem, among others. The villagers sell Aloe vera products like juice and gel for additional income.

According to India Today, villagers also plant natural pesticide plants during the Indian Festival called Raksha Bandhan, where all sisters tie their brother's hands with bracelets. They also tie bracelets to the trees to symbolize protection.

The tradition signifies that girls cannot get married before they complete their education. There is an oath signed by parents to make it legally binding. Celebrating the birth of every girl with tree planting has made the whole idea revolutionary. If you go to Piplantri, you will see the few lands left for agriculture and others planted with trees.

What do you think about this tradition? Have you heard of something similar? This initiative will allow girls in Piplantri to thrive now and in the future–let all your friends and family know about it!