Ahmedabad, June 4:
Prof. Dr. Sailesh Iyer, Principal of the Narnarayan Shastri Institute of Forensic Science and Cyber Security, Jetalpur, Ahmedabad, said that rapid technological advancements and modern facilities have brought significant changes to human life and made many tasks easier. However, in the process, our attention has drifted away from nature and environmental concerns, resulting in adverse effects on the environment.
He emphasized that to ensure a secure future, it is essential for us to reconnect with nature and focus on environmental conservation. Speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day, he noted that in earlier times, useful plants were commonly grown outside every household. However, due to increasing population, rapid urbanization, and rising pollution levels, the environment has been adversely affected, and the number of trees and plants has been steadily declining. This situation calls for serious reflection and action.
Dr. Iyer stated that every household can grow plants that are useful for daily domestic needs. Similarly, greater attention must be given to plantation drives and the protection of greenery in our surroundings and local communities. He stressed that merely planting saplings is not enough; ensuring their survival, growth, and protection is equally important.
He further said that the government is making every possible effort to promote afforestation and environmental protection. At the same time, citizens must also recognize their responsibility and take plantation and conservation activities seriously. Only then can we safeguard ourselves and future generations.
Dr. Iyer pointed out that the rising temperatures across the globe are a clear indication that we are failing to fulfill our responsibility toward protecting nature. As a result, environmental temperatures continue to increase, which is a matter of concern. He emphasized that along with planting more trees in populated areas, ensuring their protection is equally important. He also called for collective efforts to preserve forest regions, expressing confidence that such united initiatives would undoubtedly yield positive results.
Dr. Iyer also shared examples of Technology involvement in Reforestation. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used to shoot or drop “seed pods” into degraded soil. This method is up to 25 times faster and 80% cheaper than traditional hand-planting. A single drone swarm can plant up to 40,000 to 100,000 seed pods per day in hard-to-reach terrains.The drones utilize LIDAR technology to map targeted seeding sites and use less seed per site and is used for spraying water to the seeds.
