Collector Vishnoi’s ‘Jaisalmer Green’ aims at Resolving Drought Problems in the Golden City of India…
Jaisalmer, the land of shimmering sands, shifting dunes and a regal residential fort is officially known as the ‘Golden City of India’. Blessed with magnetic historic and cultural heritages, the city lacks in just two departments—green cover and water supply. Dry, peppery sand stretches over several miles, making it hard to retain and transport water to each individual household. Nevertheless, the newly appointed collector of Jaisalmer Mr. K.C. Vishnoi was not a man to back down from formidable challenges. Operation Jaisalmer Green is his novel, innovative method to get rid of these issues.
What is Jaisalmer Green All about?
Jaisalmer Green is an attempt to offer a pleasurable experience to incoming tourists through landscaping and efficient water supply. The campaign will be launched this July, to solve water scarcity and drought in Jaisalmer. As a part of this initiative, the district collectorate will encourage the natives to plant one tree outside every house in the villages and cities. The homeowners will bear the responsibility of managing their plants.
Concurrently, the officers will conduct intensive plantation at Gadisagar lake and Kuldhara—prime tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. The volunteers will plant around 5000 plants around Gadisar Lake and 10000 plants around Kuldhara to enhance the aesthetics of these tourist hotspots. The target has been set at 1 lakh tree saplings in the entire district.
The government plans to rope in officers from UIT (Urban Improvement Trust), local municipality and Jaisalmer Vikas Samiti in this drive. Even the gram sevaks, sarpanch, patwaris and the Rajasthan forest department officers will join this drive to do their bit!
How will this Initiative Solve Drought and Water Problems?
Due to scorching sun and barren geographical conditions, Jaisalmer is prone to extreme temperatures, dust storms and droughts. If Mr. Bishnoi is to be believed, xerophytic trees will hold on to semi-arid soil and help conserve underground moisture. It’ll prevent delayed rains and help conserve water for the cattle and rural population.
We wish Mr. Bishnoi good luck for this commendable step. Hope he’s able to transform Jaisalmer into the ‘green city’ soon.
