A peepal tree of a marriageable age: An environmental problem

The effects of increasing tourism in Himachal Pradesh and the relentless construction work being done to support it are starting to show on the state’s environment. In the areas in and around Solan—the district where I live—soil erosion has led to a decrease in the number of trees. As a result, the average temperature in the state is now soaring.

Since the past few years, some of my friends and I have been trying to create a new, dense forest by planting trees in the areas around our village. Every year, we arrange for saplings through the forest department. While planting trees, we involve the children in the village so that they can also understand the importance and need for afforestation.

But some traditions and beliefs have started becoming obstacles in our path. For example, we have been trying to plant peepal trees because they are considered good for the environment. However, while peepal trees are worshipped, many people believe that when they mature (usually at the age of 10 to 15), they must be married off. The responsibility of this marriage, which is conducted with great pomp and show and at huge expense, has to be borne by the person who planted the sapling. For this reason, people avoid planting this tree. Beliefs like these pose additional challenge to the environmental conservation efforts of people such as my friends and me.

Indresh Sharma works as a multimedia editor with IDR Hindi.

—

Know more: Learn why Assam’s farmers are being forced to choose between religious beliefs and climate adaptation.

Do more: Connect with the author at [email protected] to learn more about and support his work.