A Mission to Make Ranchi Greener
This news is from 24th April 2011. Here’s a complete news report published in The Telegraph
The Wake Up India Foundation has embarked on an inspiring mission to promote environmental sustainability by embracing the global principle of 3Rs: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. Committed to creating a cleaner and greener Ranchi, the team is reaching out to every household in the city, urging residents to donate their old newspapers for a greater cause—a thriving urban forest.
Their vision? Transforming discarded paper into lush greenery and instilling eco-conscious habits in the community.
How the Initiative Works
The foundation has devised a simple yet powerful strategy to maximize impact:
📜 Collect newspapers and other recyclable materials from homes, offices, and marketplaces.
💰 Sell the collected paper to generate funds.
🌱 Use the proceeds to purchase saplings from government nurseries.
🌳 Plant trees across schools, roadsides, and public spaces, contributing to Ranchi’s much-needed green cover.
Each kilogram of newspaper can be sold for ₹6, while a sapling costs just ₹1—making this initiative both sustainable and scalable.
Community Response and Impact
So far, the team has successfully gathered 233 kg of paper and other recyclable materials from areas like Dhurwa, Doranda, Lalpur, and Kantatoli. The campaign, which began on March 27, will continue until Sunday, ensuring maximum participation from Ranchi residents.
The next phase of the project, scheduled for May, involves planting 300 saplings across key locations, including DAV Bariatu and DAV Nandraj school campuses. Additionally, road dividers in Lalpur and Dhurwa will be adorned with greenery, contributing to a cooler and more eco-friendly urban environment.
A Simple Idea, A Big Impact
Suyash H. Varma, Founder of Wake Up India Foundation, emphasizes that small actions can lead to significant change. “We don’t always need large-scale projects to make a difference. Simple initiatives like reusing and recycling can have a profound impact on our environment,” he says.
The idea for the campaign struck when the team noticed reams of paper being wasted despite the digital age. “Whether in offices, homes, or marketplaces, paper wastage is rampant. Instead of allowing it to go to waste, why not repurpose it for a better cause?” he adds.
By repurposing newspapers that would otherwise be discarded, the initiative is achieving twofold benefits:
✅ Giving Ranchi the much-needed green makeover
✅ Reducing demand for fresh paper production, thereby saving trees
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Initially, not all residents were receptive to the idea. Many hesitated or refused to donate newspapers, but the team remained persistent. “Persuasion was key. Once people understood the cause, they became supportive and eager to contribute,” says the PRO of the foundation.
Beyond environmental impact, the initiative has also been a great learning experience for the team. “Interacting with different households has taught us valuable lessons about community engagement and public perception,” The PRO adds. “We only wish we had more time to expand the campaign further.”
Join the Movement!
Wake Up India Foundation is proving that small, mindful actions can create long-term environmental change. If you want to be part of this mission, here’s how you can help:
💡 Donate your old newspapers instead of discarding them.
💡 Support tree plantation drives by volunteering or contributing.
💡 Spread awareness about recycling and reusing.
Together, we can turn waste into wealth and paper into trees. 🌱🌍💚
📢 Follow Wake Up India Foundation for updates on our environmental initiatives!
