India, July 9 -- By Sunil Chaudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, U.P.

"Dashakoopasama Vapi, Dashavapisamo Hradah. Dashahradasamah Putro, Dashaputrasamo Drumah"

This verse from the Matsya Purana captures the essence of India's environmental philosophy. It conveys that one stepwell is worth ten wells, one pond equals ten stepwells, one son equals ten ponds, and one tree is equal to ten sons. In essence, this verse reflects the collective wisdom of Sanatan civilization, firmly rooted in the belief that human existence is impossible without water and forests. A tree is accorded greater importance than a son because while a son sustains a family, a tree sustains generations. India's ancient sages never confined environmental cons...