Foresters Promoting Seed Rakhis to Spread Awareness on Mangrove Conservation
The seed-containing rakhis can later be sown in suitable soil, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into plants.
Vijayawada: Forest officials are promoting eco-friendly rakhis made from seeds of fruit-bearing plant species in forests to raise awareness among schoolgirls about conservation and protection of forests and wildlife in Kakinada district. Ahead of the Raksha Bandhan on August 28, the forest department has for the first time launched a programme under the theme “Raksha Bandhan – A Bond of Protection for Forests and Wildlife; Tie a Rakhi Today, Grow a Tree Tomorrow.” As part of the programme, girls visiting the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary with their families are being trained to make seed rakhis using natural and biodegradable materials. The rakhis will be made in shapes such as trees, butterflies, birds and teddy bears, using seeds of native species, such as tedlapala, usiri, rela, maredu, bamboo, rosewood, raavi and marri, depending on their availability.
The seed-containing rakhis can later be sown in suitable soil, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into plants.
Forest officials said this would extend the symbolism of rakhi beyond the festival and become a living symbol of nature conservation. As per the programme, girls will tie seed rakhis to select mangrove trees in a designated area on Raksha Bandhan to symbolise their determination to protect the mangrove ecosystem.
The girls will also take a pledge to protect mangroves, wildlife and the coastal environment. Subsequently, the girls will tie seed rakhis to frontline forest personnel in recognition of their service in protecting forests and wildlife. The forest personnel will present native saplings as return gifts, which the girls can plant and nurture in their schools with the permission of their school authorities.
Forest officials have selected areas including the Community Based Eco-Tourism Project and Chollangi to present mangrove propagules to the girls for planting seeds in the designated areas. Kakinada district forest officer (Territorial) N. Ramachandra Rao said, “We are planning to inculcate the spirit of conservation and protection of forests and wildlife among young students by training them to prepare seed-rakhis and tying them to the mangrove plants and forest personnel on Raksha Bandhan festival. This would enable them to bond with nature.”
