Tihar to go green: Each inmate to adopt one tree

NEW DELHI: On the onset of monsoon, Tihar jail will witness tree plantation in a Van Mahotsava (Festival of the forest) being organised in the prison. The theme of the festival, which began on Wednesday, is "One Tree One Inmate". The inmates will adopt and own one tree in Central Jail-04 as a "Raksha Sutra" and will help in its care, nurturing and growth so that the feeling of responsibility is inculcated in them. "By nurturing their own tree and seeing its growth, they will also learn the art of horticulture and floriculture besides how to show love and affection towards their family members. This may ultimately help in absolving them from crime and to become good citizens," said an official.

Van Mahotsav kicked off in the Central Jail no.4 by planting of saplings by Ram Niwas Goel, Speaker, Delhi Vidhan Sabha, followed by Ajay Kashyap, IPS, DG-Prison, Raj Kumar, AIG, SS Parihar, DIG, Rajesh Chauhan, Superintendent of Central Jail No.4, Superintendent of all other jails, Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Central Jail no.4 including other jail staff.

The festival raised the awareness about trees among inmates, highlighting the need for planting and tending the trees as one of the best ways to prevent global warming and reduce pollution. It also helped spread awareness about the harm caused by the cutting down of trees, and it was expected that every inmate of the jail will plant a sapling in the Van Mahotsav. Saplings of diverse species have been planted with the energetic participation of nearly 2,400 inmates.