Wonder herb Tulsi to `insulate` Monument of Love

Arunav Sinha
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 4 (PTI) Wonder herb 'Tulsi'
(Holy Basil) known for its medicinal utilities will now now
help protect the Taj Mahal against the ill-effects of
environmental pollution.

In a joint exercise being undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh
Forest Department and Lucknow-based Organic India Private Ltd,
one million Tulsi saplings would be planted in the vicinity of
the Monument of Love in Agra in India's northern state of
Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking to PTI, company MD and global CEO Krishan Gupta
said, "Till now, nearly 20,000 tulsi saplings were planted.
Saplings will be planted in nature parks near Taj Mahal and
throughout Agra."

On being asked why Tulsi was chosen, Gupta said, "It is
one of the best plants which purifies the environment. Its
cleansing action is due to its property to release high amount
of oxygen, which minimises the adverse impact of industrial
and refinery emission."

Apart from Tulsi, Neem and Peepal can also help in
conserving monuments.

Superintending Archaeologist Devkinandan Dimri said,
"Tulsi can certainly help in reducing air pollution due to its
oxygen releasing property and can help in checking the
pollution at the periphery of the monument. By purifying the
air, Tulsi can certainly minimise the impact of industrial and
refinery emission."

Zonal forest conservator of Agra, R P Bharti said,
"plantation had been taken up on a massive scale. We have a
target of planting 20 lakh plants within next two months and
have asked gram panchayats and schools to join us in this
drive."

Tulsi will insulate environment from pollution. "The
plant has good absorptive quality, which cleans the air of
foul gases," he said.

Agra Divisional Commissioner SN Shukla said, "Tulsi holds
a special place in Indian culture and has been referred to as
'Haripriya' in the Puraans. It has proved its medicinal worth
over the ages and will certainly help in checking pollution
around the monument." PTI