In a country that still favours the
birth of a son, Piplantri village in Rajasthan not only embraces
daughters but has created a tradition that benefits both the local
people and the planet. This endearing village makes a conscious effort
to save girl children and the green cover at the same time, by planting
111 trees every time a girl is born. A brilliant exercise in
eco-feminism, this should inspire India and the rest of the world.
This wonderful eco-conscious tradition ensures that an increase in human population will never come at a cost to the environment. It is literally helping to ensure a greener future with each new generation.
The village gathers as a community and plants 111 fruit trees in honour of every newborn female child.
Village residents collect Rs. 21,000 between themselves and Rs.10,000 from the girl’s parents. This sum of Rs. 31,000 is made into a 20-year fixed deposit for the girl.
Parents are legally bound by a signed affidavit stating that their daughter will receive proper education. The affadavit also mandates that the girl should be married only after she reaches legal age and the trees planted after her birth have been correctly looked after.
The community ensures that the trees survive, attaining fruition as the girl grows up.
The villagers don’t just plant trees, they look after them as well. To protect the trees from termites, the residents plant aloe vera plants around them.
These trees, and especially the aloe vera plants, are now a source of livelihood for several residents.
This unique tradition was first suggested by the village’s former leader, Shyam Sundar Paliwal, in honour of his daughter who passed away at a young age. In the last 6 years, over a quarter of a million trees have been planted.
Villagers claim there has not been any police case here for the last 7 to 8 years.
