A tree walk to remember: UT residents spend a fruitful day
Kudrat Sandhu | TNN | Mar 18, 2019, 05:28 IST
CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh tree lovers' group on Sunday organised one-hour-long walk at Leisure Valley in Sector 10. The walk started at 7.30am under the expert guidance of horticulturalist Harjeet Singh Dhillon and former principal of Chandigarh College of Architecture Rajnish Wattas.
Harjeet Singh Dhillon, a retired executive engineer, horticulture department, told the group about his contribution towards designing the valley. He also gave an in-depth account of over 25 types of trees.
Mentioning scientific and common names of trees, he acquainted people with their properties, significance, and use.
"Every part of a neem tree is important and has medicinal properties," he said. While referring to the origin of trees, he said, "Shisham tree is the state tree of Punjab. Its wood is hard and termite resistant, just like Neem. A few Australian trees like Australian Pine, Silver Oaks and Eucalyptus are very close to pine trees that can be found in the City."
Dhillon not only talked about the trees planted in the park, but also highlighted the role they play in the beautification of the city. "Various ornamental trees like Parrot's Beak, Chinar, Palm, Pilkhan, Moulsari and Amaltas a major role in giving the city its identity.
"With the onset of spring, the pink Cassia near Raj Bhawan is a sight worth seeing. The tallest tree in the city, Simbal, will soon be in its full bloom. At one point in time, every market in Chandigarh was identified by the name of a tree," Dhillon said.
Harleen Sekhon, a resident of Sector 8, said, "The experience was very informative and pleasant. I feel proud to know that so much importance was given to plantation of trees when the city was designed."
Simran Grewal, a member of the group, said, "Such walks are organised every now and then. The best part about these walks is that they are well organised. Trees are an integral part of our heritage and it is crucial to know and understand them."
Highlighting the relevance of the walk, Dhillon said, "The main aim of the walk is make residents acquainted with the trees in the city so that they can be proud of the city and the beauty that it embraces. Every city resident should have knowledge of trees."
"According to the original plan, tall trees were planted alongside Madhya Marg while spanning trees were planted alongside vertical roads, for they receive direct sunlight in morning and evening," he added.
The group has also approached the UT municipal corporation and administration to install name plates in the city parks and trees alongside roads. "By installing name plates of trees in the city, the citizens will be better informed about the importance of trees. This will also increase their general knowledge and interest in beautifying the city further," he said.
Harjeet Singh Dhillon, a retired executive engineer, horticulture department, told the group about his contribution towards designing the valley. He also gave an in-depth account of over 25 types of trees.

Mentioning scientific and common names of trees, he acquainted people with their properties, significance, and use.
"Every part of a neem tree is important and has medicinal properties," he said. While referring to the origin of trees, he said, "Shisham tree is the state tree of Punjab. Its wood is hard and termite resistant, just like Neem. A few Australian trees like Australian Pine, Silver Oaks and Eucalyptus are very close to pine trees that can be found in the City."

Dhillon not only talked about the trees planted in the park, but also highlighted the role they play in the beautification of the city. "Various ornamental trees like Parrot's Beak, Chinar, Palm, Pilkhan, Moulsari and Amaltas a major role in giving the city its identity.
"With the onset of spring, the pink Cassia near Raj Bhawan is a sight worth seeing. The tallest tree in the city, Simbal, will soon be in its full bloom. At one point in time, every market in Chandigarh was identified by the name of a tree," Dhillon said.

Harleen Sekhon, a resident of Sector 8, said, "The experience was very informative and pleasant. I feel proud to know that so much importance was given to plantation of trees when the city was designed."
Simran Grewal, a member of the group, said, "Such walks are organised every now and then. The best part about these walks is that they are well organised. Trees are an integral part of our heritage and it is crucial to know and understand them."

Highlighting the relevance of the walk, Dhillon said, "The main aim of the walk is make residents acquainted with the trees in the city so that they can be proud of the city and the beauty that it embraces. Every city resident should have knowledge of trees."
"According to the original plan, tall trees were planted alongside Madhya Marg while spanning trees were planted alongside vertical roads, for they receive direct sunlight in morning and evening," he added.
The group has also approached the UT municipal corporation and administration to install name plates in the city parks and trees alongside roads. "By installing name plates of trees in the city, the citizens will be better informed about the importance of trees. This will also increase their general knowledge and interest in beautifying the city further," he said.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE