A World Record in the Making: Nirmal Vaikuntha Foundation’s Mega Plantation Drive on World Environment Day

On the auspicious occasion of World Environment Day, 5th June 2022, the Nirmal Vaikuntha Foundation took a monumental step towards environmental conservation. In the serene village of Hirani, Tehsil Kuchaman, Rajasthan, the foundation planted an impressive 650 banyan trees. This wasn’t just any plantation drive; it was a mega event aiming to set a world record for planting banyan trees at a single contiguous location.

But the foundation didn’t stop there. Alongside the plantation drive, a blood donation camp was organized, where numerous volunteers came forward, donating over 150 units of blood. This initiative was not only to aid those in need but also to create awareness among the local populace about the importance of blood donation.

Event Highlights:

• Location: The event took place in Hirani Village, Kuchaman, Rajasthan.
• Chief Guest: Mr. Rajeev Aggarwal, IRS Commissioner GST, Jodhpur graced the occasion.
• Principal Speaker: The event was enlightened by the words of the renowned Rajasthani Environmentalist, Mr. Himmat Ram Bhambu, a Padma Shri awardee from Nagour.
• Distinguished Attendees: The event saw a gathering of esteemed personalities including Mr. Mahesh Gupta, IFS, Chief Forest Conservator, Ajmer; Mr. Pawan Kumar Verma, ADJ, Nagaur; Mr. Nitesh Gupta, IRS, Deputy Commissioner, Ministry of Finance, New Delhi; Mr. Manoj Kumar, Joint Collector, Nagaur; Mr. Anil Gupta, Co-Founder, Bharatiyam, Atal Awardee 2021; and Mr. Rajesh Kumawat, Inspector, CGST.

A Glimpse into Kuchaman:

Kuchaman, situated near Nagaur city and district, is renowned for its Havelis adorned in the iconic Shekhawati style. These Havelis are a testament to the artistic prowess of the region, with intricate paintings depicting flowers, motifs, and characters from Hindu Mythology. The local Kuchaman fort, a major tourist attraction, is also a part of the “Palace on Wheels” itinerary of IRCTC, solidifying its status as a heritage location.

About the Plantation Site:

The site chosen for the plantation is unique. An artificial water body or lake is under construction to ensure a consistent water supply to the banyan trees and other varieties in the GST garden. Given the extreme climatic conditions of the region, with scorching heat and minimal moisture, this is a commendable initiative. Currently, water is supplied through tankers using an innovative drip irrigation system.

Behind the Scenes:

The heart and soul behind this initiative, Mr. Nitesh, was previously associated with the GST Commissionerate in Jodhpur. Now, he plays a pivotal role in GST policy-making at the Ministry of Finance in Delhi. The tragic loss of his mother to Covid led him to establish the Nirmal Vaikunth Foundation. This NGO, in her memory, has been a significant contributor to the plantation drive, providing most of the equipment and infrastructure at the location.

The Nirmal Vaikuntha Foundation’s efforts on World Environment Day are a testament to their commitment to a greener future and a healthier world.