Bageshwar's green warriors transforming barren land into lush patches

Bageshwar: While infrastructure development continues to deplete the hills of their natural resources, with diminishing forests, dried-up water sources and green spaces giving way to construction in Bageshwar, three local environmentalists are setting remarkable examples of environmental restoration through their conservation efforts.

Kishan Singh Malra, 58, a resident of Bageshwar town, has dedicated 27 years to safeguarding natural sources by planting and distributing over one million saplings, and reintroducing endangered species in the area — including sandalwood, rudraksha, bay leaf and kadamba. He carries saplings everywhere he goes and presents them at social gatherings, transforming each event into an opportunity for environmental conservation .

"I believe we need to plant more multipurpose trees so that while our environment remains beautiful and safe, at the same time, it can provide employment opportunities for the younger generation, which will help stop migration from the hills," said Malra.

From Amsyari village in Garur, 65-year-old Basant Ballabh Joshi has converted 100 hectares of unused land in Siddhgaon into a flourishing forest. Since 1994, he has planted thousands of trees — including oak, deodar, gooseberry and fodder plants. The previously empty land now resounds with birdsong and running water, indicating nature's revival. "I did not just plant trees — I sowed the future so that future generations can breathe in greenery and the mountains can smile once again," said Joshi.

Jagdish Kuniyal, 60, from Sirkot, has devoted 42 years of his life to planting over 1.5 lakh trees. His work has restored dried springs and revitalised regional water sources, which was also acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast.

"I never dreamed of fame; I only wished the springs would flow again. Every seed I planted carried a prayer for the mountains. Years passed, but my faith in nature never wavered. When the trees grew and the streams returned, it felt like the earth had smiled back. This is not my achievement — it's a return gift from nature," said Kuniyal.

Calling them "true inspirations for today's youth", divisional forest officer Dhruv Singh Martoliya said, "Their efforts prove that environmental conservation is not just a govt responsibility, but a collective societal duty."

At present, with environmental concerns often neglected due to urbanisation and focus on immediate needs, these three green champions demonstrate that one can single-handedly create substantial impact through dedication, perseverance and environmental stewardship.