Leading the news recently is the launch of ‘Hara Bhara,’ the first-ever drone-based aerial seeding campaign in Telangana, India. The project aims to expedite the country’s reforestation efforts by utilizing an innovative technology known as the ‘Seedcopter’ drone. This initiative is not entirely unfamiliar to the country as the Andhra Pradesh government had previously launched a similar program in August 2015 using Indian Navy helicopters.
Hara Bhara Campaign: A Billion Trees by 2030
The Hara Bhara campaign is a remarkable journey towards achieving an ambitious goal: planting one billion trees across India by 2030. The mission uses drones to disperse seed balls on sparse, barren, and unused forest lands with the aim of transforming these deserted areas into lush green forests. The brainchild behind this concept is Marut Drones, who developed the ‘seedcopter’, a unique drone designed specifically for aerial seeding and rapid reforestation.
Aerial Seeding: A New Age Plantation Technique
Aerial seeding is a revolutionary plantation method characterized by the use of seed balls, which are seeds enveloped in a mixture of clay, compost, char, and other bio-components. These seed balls are then distributed via aerial devices such as airplanes, helicopters, or drones. The seeds chosen for this process are usually native to the area, adequately sized for making seedballs, and have a high survival rate. The drones operate at a low height to drop the seed balls accurately onto predetermined locations, unaffected by wind. Once adequate rainfall occurs, these pellets begin to sprout, gaining initial growth assistance from the nutrients imbued within them.
Merits of Aerial Seeding
A primary advantage of aerial seeding is its ability to reach inaccessible areas, such as steep slopes or areas lacking forest routes. The seedballs, often referred to as the “fire and forget” method of planting, require no attention post-dispersion. These pellets need no ploughing or planting as they are already encased in soil, nutrients, and microorganisms. Additionally, the clay shell protects them from common seed predators like birds, ants, and rats. Notably, the technique does not cause soil compaction, hence preventing soil runoff. This type of seeding proves highly beneficial for tropical forests that absorb carbon quicker and support higher biodiversity than other forest types.
Challenges of Aerial Seeding
While drones may reduce costs in the long run, there are still potential issues such as seeds falling on undesired locations. Once the seeds reach the ground, their sprouting could be impeded by numerous variables, including soil composition, animal predation, and weed competition.
Related Indian Initiatives
The Hara Bhara campaign is part of a series of similar green initiatives undertaken by India – these include the National Mission for a Green India, the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA Funds), and the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification. These initiatives, aligned with the Hara Bhara mission, aim to make India a greener country and combat the pressing issue of deforestation.
