Aawaz NGO
Kurseong Tree Plantation 2025: Aawaz NGO Plants 150+ Native Trees in Victoria Village
On Sunday, 15 June 2025, Aawaz Welfare Organization successfully organized and completed a major Kurseong tree plantation drive, planting more than 150 native and fruit-bearing trees above Sanitorium (Victoria) Hospital. The designated forest land was officially allocated by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kurseong, with active support from forest department staff.
Members of the Aawaz Welfare Organization, a local NGO dedicated to community development and environmental protection, successfully organized and completed a major tree-planting drive in the Victoria village area of Kurseong subdivision.
Kurseong Tree Plantation 2025: 150+ Trees Planted by Aawaz NGO
The event, held on Sunday, June 15, 2025 saw enthusiastic participation from Aawaz volunteers who planted more than 150 native and fruit-bearing trees in a designated forest area just above Sanitorium Hospital (also known as Victoria Hospital). The selected species included locally cherished trees such as:
- Peepli (Ficus religiosa)
- Kafal (Myrica esculenta)
- Kamuna (a native hill species)
- Saipras (wild apple variety)
The plantation site was officially allocated by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kurseong, with the local forest ranger personally overseeing the demarcation. Several forest department staff members also joined the volunteers on the ground, providing technical guidance and tools that helped make the drive smooth and efficient.
The activity started at 10:00 AM and concluded by 2:30 PM, with participants digging pits, planting saplings, and adding protective fencing and mulch around each young trees to ensure higher survival rates.
Why This Tree Plantation Matters for Darjeeling Hills
“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to restore green cover in the Kurseong hills, fight soil erosion, and preserve biodiversity,” said a spokesperson of Aawaz Welfare Organization. “Native species like kafal and peepli not only improve the ecology but also provide food and shade for local communities and wildlife for generations.”
Local residents welcomed the effort, noting that the area above Sanitorium Hospital had lost several trees in recent landslides and needed urgent reforestation.
With rising concerns over climate change and frequent landslides in the Darjeeling hills, community-led plantation drives like this one play a crucial role in building a greener and more resilient Kurseong.
Aawaz Welfare Organization has promised to monitor the growth of the newly planted saplings and organize follow-up watering and maintenance activities during the monsoon and dry seasons.
Role of Kurseong Forest Department and DFO
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Kurseong Tree Plantation 2025 |
| Date | Sunday, 15 June 2025 |
| Organizer | Aawaz Welfare Organization |
| Location | Victoria village (above Sanitorium Hospital) |
| Trees Planted | 150+ native & fruit-bearing |
| Key Species | Peepli, Kafal, Kamuna, Saipras |
| Supported by | DFO Kurseong & Forest Department staff |
The forest ranger, under the direction of the DFO Kurseong, allocated the area just above the Sanitorium Hospital in the Victoria village area for this initiative. Additionally, some members of the forest department assisted in making the event a success. The work began at 10 AM and was completed by 2:30 PM.
Some pictures from the event.
