Plantation: To celebrate the birth of The Gyalsey, 108 trees each of five different species were planted yesterday in Tsirang, Dagana, Sarpang, Punakha and Thimphu.

These included Oak, Cypress, Rosary Tree, Bodhi tree, and white Sandalwood.

The trees were planted under the coordination of the agriculture and forest ministry, which will also ensure appropriate after-care to ensure the survival of all the saplings.

The overall coordinator of the plantation programme, agriculture and forest minister Yeshey Dorji, said each species was planted in one dzongkhag. “All the forestry officers were instructed to do the plantation before 11am, and lhapsang  thruesol by a lam,” he said.

In Punakha, the Dzongkhag Forestry Officer (DEO), Sonam Tobgay, said 108 tseden or cypress trees were planted by the dzongda, forestry officials, desuups and police personnel, among others. The trees were planted below Khuruthang town.

“We got the support of the business community of Khuruthang, who sponsored lunch for the people involved in the plantation,” he said.

The DEO added that the officials would ensure that the plants survive.

In Thimphu, Ranger Sacha Dorji, Unit In-Charge of Forest Management Unit, said 108 sisi or oak trees were planted at Chamgang in Dagala gewog.

Initiated by the Department of Forests and Park Services, the plantation was inaugurated by the Thimphu dzongda in presence of the Director General of the department.

Dagana DFO Jambay Gyeltshen said officials from the dratshang, dzongkhag administration and the dzongkhag range office, among other officials planted 108 rosary (rudraksha)tree saplings.

In Dagana, 22 of the 108 trees were plated around the Dagapela Dratshang, 52 around the hospital area and the rest around the lake near the hospital. “The plantation was coordinated by dzongkhag forestry sector and range office, Dagana,” Jambay Gyeltshen said.

Another108 white sandal wood saplings were planted at the Bhur recreational site in Gelephu. Sarpang Chief Forestry officer Phub Dhendup said around 55 people from various agencies in the dzongkhag took part in the plantation. “A private nursery in Bhur supplied the saplings,” he said.

Tsirang Senior forestry officer, KN Ghimeray said they planted 108 Jangchubshing or bodhi tree saplings on an open space between the Tsirang dzong and the football ground. KN Ghimeray said the saplings were collected from around the southern belt of the country.

He said Bodhi trees can grow at altitudes of around 1600m and that the dzongkhag is suitable for the growth of Bodhi trees. “We will take the best care of the tress to ensure all grow well,” he said. The sector heads along with their staff took part in the plantation.

A sapling of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment was also planted at Takila in Lhuentse by Lyonpo Yeshi Dorji.

A Bodhi tree from Bodhgaya, India, was also planted in Trashigang Dzong.

MB Subba

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