Published in the Journal: February 2020
In his timeless verse, Thiruvalluvar emphasized that a nation’s true strength lies in its clean water, fertile soil, tall mountains, and forests rich with trees. Such a harmonious environment is essential for a peaceful and fulfilling life. However, today, these essential resources are endangered due to rapid population growth, industrial advancements, and unrestrained resource consumption. Deteriorating water supplies, soil, and air quality underscore an environmental crisis that, if left unchecked, could compromise the health and well-being of future generations. Preserving water, soil, and clean air requires us to protect and expand our forests, which are fundamental to sustaining these resources.
In this spirit, police officers in the Trichy range have taken up a significant environmental role in addition to their duties in law enforcement and public safety. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Trichy, Mr. V. Balakrishnan, explained that officers across Trichy, Pudukottai, Perambalur, Ariyalur, and Karur districts have initiated a large-scale tree-planting program. Under this initiative, each of the over 5,000 officers and personnel has planted a tree sapling and named it after themselves, nurturing it with a personal sense of responsibility. New officers joining the Trichy range will also receive a sapling as part of their induction, promoting a green legacy.
To encourage sustained growth, officers will have the progress of their trees assessed annually, integrating it into their performance evaluations. Vacant spaces around police stations, residential quarters, and office complexes have been transformed into green areas. Additionally, tree saplings will soon line nearby streets, creating an ecosystem that enhances local air quality and supports micro-climate stability.
Species like neem and pungam, known for their high oxygen output, are commonly chosen for planting. These trees create cleaner air around the police stations, benefiting the officers who work in challenging environments often impacted by dust and pollution.
The initiative also extends to community education, with police families and their children encouraged to participate in environmental conservation activities. Young family members are tasked with monitoring the growth of the saplings, fostering environmental awareness and instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature. Furthermore, during annual police training events, medicinal plants with healing properties, like basil and tulsi, are given as gifts to officers. These plants help support the officers’ health, as they work year-round under demanding conditions, and have become increasingly rare in the environment.
Mr. Balakrishnan noted the department’s commitment to protecting the soil and groundwater. They have implemented natural and artificial rainwater harvesting systems throughout police premises to replenish groundwater. Law enforcement has also taken robust action against illegal sand mining, using the Goondas Act to bring offenders to justice and preserve the area’s natural resources.
In addition to apprehending criminals who harm people, the police have taken an active role in protecting animals and wildlife, cracking down on poachers and those who harm protected species. In this way, they extend their responsibility to all forms of life that contribute to a balanced ecosystem.
A unique “Eco System Approach” is being adopted in police station management, creating a mini-ecosystem where officers, their families, local residents, and even animals like friendly stray dogs coexist. To engage local students, police stations invite school children for educational sessions on environmental conservation. Through this initiative, students learn about police duties and the importance of green spaces, bridging communities with environmental awareness.
The officers’ commitment to tree planting in their limited free time demonstrates a commendable dedication to environmental stewardship. If other police districts join in similar efforts, Tamil Nadu could achieve significant environmental progress, setting a benchmark for the entire state. With this hope, we concluded our discussion with Trichy’s green-minded police officers, wishing them success in their endeavor to balance law enforcement with environmental conservation.
— Written by M.Umapathi, Photos by S.Manikkaraj
