Public participation in environmental protection: A message from Shristi Mitraa पर्यावरण संरक्षण में जनभागीदारी: सृष्टि मित्रा का संदेश

Concept of Public Participation: When people in a society connect emotionally with a cause, that cause becomes not just a program but a movement. Environmental protection can only be successful when governments and every citizen participate—whether it's the small step of planting a tree or a resolution to reduce plastic use. This is the essence of public participation.

Srishti Mitra's Role: This initiative, called "Srishti Mitra," started in Sikar, Rajasthan, embodies this spirit. Srishti Mitra is not just an organization but an idea—"Be Humane, Save the Universe." This idea suggests that if we connect with humanity, the earth will automatically be protected.

1. Hope from Greenery—Talking Trees and the Path to a Food Forest

Srishti Mitra organized a tree planting campaign in schools, hospitals, and public places in Sikar district. Initiatives like "One Plant – One Family" have instilled a love for greenery in children and youth. The organization's goal is not just to plant trees but to cultivate a sense of conservation.

In the future, the organization aims to establish a "Food Forest"—a place where medicinal, fruit-bearing, shady, and bird-friendly plants are planted together to preserve nature's diversity.

2. Bird Conservation and the Story of UdanGhar

"UdanGhar" is a unique project by Srishti Mitra, dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of injured and helpless birds. Here, every injured wing finds its way back to the sky. The organization's volunteers work to capture birds, provide first aid, and restore them to flight.

In addition, a large cage (13x6x6 feet) called "Pankhghar" has been built where birds are kept safe during treatment. It is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of human sensitivity.

3. Water, Soil, and Air – A Pledge to Conserving the Triveni

Srishti Mitra believes that the environment is not just about trees, but about the confluence of “water, soil, and air.” The organization, under the “Save Soil, Save Water, Save Air” campaign, conducted water conservation, anti-plastic, and sanitation programs in rural areas.

With the help of local youth, simple measures for rainwater harvesting pits, soil erosion control, and drinking water purification were promoted in villages.

4. Public Awareness in Schools and the Community

Any change begins with children. With this idea in mind, Srishti Mitra organized educational competitions, speeches, and tree-planting activities at the school level on occasions like Environment Day, Ozone Day, and World Water Day.

The impact of these events was that children themselves became environmental protectors in their own homes—steps like planting trees, segregating waste, conserving water, and saving electricity have now become a habit.

5. Waste Management and Freedom from Plastic

Srishti Mitra initiated the distribution of cloth bags at local markets and fairs with the slogan “Avoid Plastic, Adopt Nature.” They also explained that single-use plastic is gradually poisoning our soil and food.

The organization believes that if every family reduces plastic use by just 10 kg, thousands of tons of plastic waste could be reduced in a year.

6. An example of collective efforts

Srishti Mitra's campaigns are not limited to the organization alone. They involve local panchayats, livestock farmers, teachers, and youth volunteers. Through collective efforts, tree guards have been installed to protect plants in several villages, free bird waterers have been distributed in schools, and pasture rejuvenation has begun on village grazing lands.

7. How can everyone become a friend of nature?

• Plant a tree in your home or neighborhood and care for it.
• Understand the importance of every drop of water—stop leaks, save rainwater.
• Avoid single-use plastic.
• Keep food and water for birds on your balcony or terrace.
• Separate waste into wet and dry forms.
• Participate in community cleanups and tree planting programs.

8. Social Responsibility in the Modern Age

Today, environmental protection cannot be limited to NGOs or the government. It is the social responsibility of every citizen. When people make small efforts at their own level—like reducing their vehicle usage, working paperlessly, or saving electricity—it has a big impact on the planet.

Srishti Mitra believes that the seed of change is sown in an individual's mind; that same seed grows into a tree and bears fruit in society.

9. Future Direction

In the coming years, the organization is launching the "Hariyali Gram Yojana" and "Eco-Volunteer Network," ensuring a Srishti Mitra representative is present in every village. This network will identify local issues related to environmental protection and offer solutions.

Also, through digital programs like "Adopt a Tree" and "Adopt a Bird," ordinary citizens will be able to participate online.

Conclusion:

Nature is our mother, and protecting it is our moral responsibility. When we consider trees as our family, birds as our companions, and water as the elixir of life, we value it – only then do we truly become “friends of nature.”

creation Shristi Mitra's message is simple – "Saving the Earth is not just one person's job, but the responsibility of every human being who breathes in the lap of this Earth."