INS Kattabomman, the Indian Navy’s campus in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, achieved a significant milestone in environmental conservation by hosting our Global Seedball Campaign. On Nov 14, the Naanguneri Naval base witnessed the dispersal of 2 lakh (200,000) seedballs across its expansive 3000-acre campus. The event included collaboration with the Govt of Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
“The seedball dispersal drive is pivotal in increasing the green cover of our unit’s expansive area. It aligns seamlessly with the Indian Navy’s commitment to plant 75 lakh (7.5 m) trees annually and contributes significantly to our sustainable development goals,” said Commodore Nishant Kumar, underscoring the imperative of collective action for environmental stability.
Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, Treasurer and Trustee, Mata Amritanandamayi Math, thanked the Navy for its dual role in defence and environmental protection. He said: “Partnering with INS Parundu last month, we distributed 5 lakh (500,000) seedballs, and now, collaborating with INS Kattabomman, an additional 2 lakh (200,000). The Navy’s active participation in environmental protection is commendable.”
Distinguished personalities, including AS Marimuthu, IFS, Conservator of Forest, and Field Director, Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, also graced the event.
In July, the inauguration of the Global Seedball Campaign in Puducherry was presided over by the Honourable President of India, Her Excellency Smt Draupadi Murmu. The initiative was organised in collaboration with the Puducherry Government.
The seedballs were prepared by volunteers with many schools and colleges throughout Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The students happily joined in tossing them at the events.
The initiative is an eco-friendly method for reforestation through a simple yet effective technique of encapsulating tree seeds in clay and compost. The seedballs are released in fragile ecosystems, especially forests, to contribute to restoration and biodiversity conservation.
The Global Seedball Campaign was launched by our Civil 20 Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) working group with India’s G20 Presidency 2023. Under the guidance and vision of Amma as Chair of C20, SRC worked hard to initiate the production and distribution of the seedballs. In collaboration with AYUDH groups worldwide, the campaign now moves forward with the aim to disperse one million seedballs in fragile ecosystems across the globe.
