World Environment Day - SD Hospital Tree Plantation.

World Environment Day – SD Hospital Tree Plantation

Every year on June 5th, people around the globe observe World Environment Day to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues and encourage positive action. This year, SD Hospital in Dokor marked the occasion with a meaningful tree‐planting initiative—demonstrating that even small efforts can have a big impact on our planet’s future.

A Green Beginning at SD Hospital.

Under the leadership of Dr. Tripti Shah, SD Hospital organized a tree plantation drive on World Environment Day 2025. From 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 5, hospital doctors, nursing staff, paramedical personnel, and students from the nearby nursing college came together to plant saplings on hospital grounds.

Dr. Shah opened the ceremony with a brief address, emphasizing that hospitals are not only centers for healing people but also can be catalysts for healing the planet. She highlighted how planting trees in and around healthcare facilities helps improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and create a more calming environment for patients, staff, and visitors alike.

Why Tree Planting Matters on World Environment Day?

Combatting Air Pollution
Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing harmful pollutants like particulate matter and carbon dioxide. By planting fresh saplings, SD Hospital is actively contributing to cleaner air in Dokor’s sub‐district—benefitting both community health and local biodiversity.
Promoting Biodiversity
Every new tree becomes a potential habitat for birds, insects, and small wildlife. As the saplings mature, they will attract various species, helping to restore ecological balance.
Setting a Community Example
When a respected institution like SD Hospital takes a visible stand on environmental stewardship, it inspires employees, patients, and local residents to adopt greener habits—whether it’s conserving water, recycling waste, or supporting reforestation efforts.

The Planting Process:

Sapling Selection:
Dr. Shah worked with a local nursery to choose native, fast‐growing species—ensuring quicker canopy development and greater resilience to the region’s climate.

Hands-On Participation:
Over 50 participants—doctors, nurses, paramedics, and nursing students—dug holes, carefully placed each sapling, and provided initial watering. Senior nurses coached newcomers on proper planting depth and soil compaction techniques to encourage healthy root growth.

Ongoing Care:
After the ceremony, a dedicated “Green Committee” was formed to schedule regular watering, mulching, and monitoring. Hospital groundskeepers will ensure saplings receive protection from strong winds and cattle grazing until they establish firmly.

Voices from the Drive:

Dr. Tripti Shah (Program Coordinator):
“Hospitals have an important role to play in public health—and a cleaner environment is essential for preventing many respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. I’m proud to see our entire staff and students commit their time to this simple yet impactful initiative on World Environment Day.”

Nursing Student Meena Patel:
“I spend long hours on duty, and it brings a sense of calm to walk among young trees. Knowing that these saplings will grow into shade‐giving trees encourages me to keep working toward a healthier tomorrow—for patients and the planet.”

Paramedical Staff Member Rahul Mehta:
“Planting a tree felt like planting hope. I look forward to returning next week and watching the saplings thrive. Small actions like this add up, and our hospital can lead by example.”

Looking Ahead: A Million‐Tree Vision.

SD Hospital’s tree plantation drive aligns with wider campaigns across Gujarat and India to plant millions of trees by 2030. While SD Hospital’s contribution is modest—about 50 new trees—it underscores a crucial point: real change starts at home. By inspiring each department to adopt green practices, the hospital hopes to expand this program every year, eventually covering soil rehabilitation, rooftop gardens, and solar‐powered LED lighting.

How You Can Celebrate World Environment Day?

Even if you’re not at SD Hospital, you can participate in World Environment Day:

Plant a native sapling in your backyard or community space.
Volunteer at local tree-planting drives, schools, or municipal parks.
Reduce single‐use plastics by carrying reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Conserve water: fix leaks, reuse greywater if possible, and avoid running taps unnecessarily.
Educate friends and family about the importance of protecting air, water, and soil for future generations.

Conclusion:

By marking World Environment Day with a vibrant tree plantation drive, SD Hospital in Dokor is sending a clear message: healthcare extends beyond treating symptoms—it includes safeguarding the environment that supports human life. Under Dr. Tripti Shah’s guidance, every sapling planted becomes a symbol of hope for cleaner air, healthier patients, and a more sustainable world.

Let us all take inspiration from SD Hospital’s example and commit to planting even a single tree—because collective efforts today will yield a greener, healthier planet tomorrow.