Tree Ganesha Promotes Cleanliness and Environmental Conservation in Surat

Surat: In a unique and environmentally conscious approach to celebrating the Ganesha festival, the ‘Tree Ganesha’ pandal at the Zenitex textile mill in Surat has been drawing hordes of devotees, including school children. Conceived by Viral Desai, an environmentalist and textile entrepreneur known as the “Green Man,” Tree Ganesha stands out among the thousands of Ganesha pandals in the diamond city.

This marks the sixth consecutive year for the Tree Ganesha in Surat, and it has become a hub for education on cleanliness, environmental conservation, and the importance of becoming “Environmental Warriors” to protect Mother Earth.

This year’s theme, ‘Amritpath,’ provides detailed information about the environmental measures taken by the central government over the last decade, imparting valuable knowledge to students and environmentally conscious youth.

Upon entering the Tree Ganesha pandal, visitors encounter Lord Ganesha installed within the branches of a large tree. This creative representation emphasizes the significance of the trees that surround us, underlining their vital role in human life. Trees mitigate air pollution and enhance well-being, making it a shared responsibility to preserve our rivers, lakes, and natural habitats, especially by placing Lord Ganesha within a tree.

A prominent banner near the main stage bears the message, ‘Safe India, Clean India, Green India.’ This Ganesha pandal places great emphasis on the purification of not only soil but also water, air, and the global climate.

The pandal’s walls, created by Greenman Viral Desai, feature extensive information on environmental initiatives undertaken by the Government of India over the past ten years, including projects like the ‘Namami Gange Project,’ ‘National Clean Air Programme,’ ‘Mission Life,’ and ‘Big Cat Alliance.’ The pandal aims to educate visitors about these initiatives and inspire them to contribute to environmental protection.

This year, three state government departments have joined forces with Tree Ganesha, including the Surat Police, Gujarat Forest Department, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).

Viral Desai expressed his joy, saying, “Tree Ganesha has become popular among the people of Surat, especially students from schools and colleges. During the ten days of the festivities, we are spreading awareness about cleanliness and environmental protection. This year, we are happy that state government departments have joined in our campaign of Tree Ganesha.”

“The Tree Ganesha pandal serves as a testament to how festivals can be celebrated with devotion while also promoting environmental consciousness and the importance of sustainable practices” said Desai.