Lucknow: Repertwahr’s Rose Festival at Janeshwar Mishra Park opened on Saturday with an engaging discussion titled ‘Listening to the earth’. Led by forestry expert V Ramakantha, conservationist Ramveer Tanwar, widely known as ‘Pond Man of India’, along with film actress Tanisha Mukherjee, the panel delved into pressing ecological concerns, reflecting humanity’s relationship with nature and asking a poignant question, “What is the earth trying to tell us?”Having devoted his entire life to study and protection of trees, Ramakantha underscored a largely overlooked concern, the silent extinction of critically endangered tree species. He explained that tree care goes far beyond plantation drives. “We pamper trees,” he said, describing methods such as deep-root irrigation, use of rain guns and scientifically curated plantation techniques.Ramveer highlighted importance of restoring and safeguarding ponds as the lifeline of local ecosystems. “While one city struggles with water shortages, another grapples with flooding due to excessive water,” he said. Calling for collective responsibility, he urged young people to step forward and take ownership of environmental initiatives. Recounting an experience, Tanisha said she once saw construction workers deliberately damaging trees and pouring acid into their trunks so that the trees would eventually die. This incident became a turning point for her and she decided to set up a platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing ecological issues.
