Draft:Piplantri Village Girl Child Tree Planting Initiative

The Piplantri Village Girl Child Tree Planting Initiative is a grassroots environmental and social reform movement practiced in Piplantri, a village in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India. This unique practice involves the planting of 111 trees every time a girl is born in the village. It stands as a rare example of a rural community using tradition, ecology, and financial planning to promote gender equality and sustainable development. The initiative gained national and international attention for blending environmental conservation with the celebration of girls, in a country where gender-based discrimination has been a long-standing social issue.

Origin The initiative was started by Shyam Sundar Paliwal, a former sarpanch (village head) of Piplantri. In 2006, Paliwal lost his 16-year-old daughter, Kiran, to dehydration-related illness. As a tribute to her memory, he planted a tree—an act that gradually transformed into a powerful movement. At the time, Rajasthan, like many parts of India, faced skewed gender ratios, female infanticide, and early child marriages. Paliwal decided to address both the social stigma around the birth of girls and the village’s environmental degradation by turning every girl's birth into a reason to grow trees. His personal grief became the seed of a now-world-famous tradition, turning mourning into action.

The Practice Whenever a girl is born in Piplantri, the entire village comes together to plant 111 saplings in her honor. The number 111 is considered auspicious in Indian culture and symbolizes positivity and spiritual strength. The practice doesn’t end with just planting trees. The village also raises a fixed deposit of ₹31,000 (approximately $375 USD) in the name of the child, with contributions from the girl’s parents and villagers. In return, the parents are asked to sign a legal affidavit stating: • The girl will be given a proper education • She will not be married before she turns 18 • The trees planted in her name will be cared for like she is The chosen trees are often mango, neem, sheesham, banyan, and amla, depending on the season and ecological compatibility. Aloe vera is planted around the trees to protect them from pests and to generate income for the village, since aloe vera products are later processed and sold.

Environmental Impact Since the initiative began, over 350,000 trees have been planted in and around Piplantri. This transformation has turned what was once an arid region into a green and biodiverse landscape. The impact has been significant: • Increased groundwater levels • Reduction in soil erosion • Better air quality • Return of native birds and animals The village also uses organic methods for tree maintenance, and several community members are employed in taking care of the saplings, making it a self-sustaining eco-model.

Social Impact The movement has brought about a notable cultural shift. In a society where daughters were once viewed as financial burdens, the initiative has helped reshape mindsets. Girls are now seen as blessings who bring prosperity and greenery. There has been a significant increase in school enrollment among girls in the village. Additionally, instances of child marriage and female neglect have decreased dramatically. The combination of financial planning, legal commitment, and community support has created a safer, more empowering environment for girls. The initiative has also strengthened social unity. Families from different castes and economic backgrounds come together to plant trees, breaking social barriers in the process.

Recognition The initiative has attracted national and global media attention. Articles have been published by major platforms such as Al Jazeera, The Better India, and The Guardian. Piplantri has been visited by environmentalists, educators, and policymakers from across the globe. In 2021, Shyam Sundar Paliwal was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of his work in social service and environmental protection. His story has also been featured in TEDx talks, short documentaries, and university case studies. He is widely respected as a grassroots environmentalist and social reformer.

Influence and Legacy The success of Piplantri’s model has inspired similar initiatives in villages across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Several non-governmental organizations have replicated or adapted the model to local needs, blending girl-child advocacy with environmental programs. The initiative is frequently cited as a rare example of eco-feminism in practice, where empowerment of women and care for nature go hand in hand. It is also seen as a blueprint for sustainable rural development, showing how traditional values can be channeled into progressive change.