Woman saves hundreds of dying trees in Bihar

Kiran Kumari, a 19-year-old science student of Class 12, discovered a remedy that treated Seesam trees spread over about 600 acres. The trees - highly prized for their timber - regained instant health three years after they had been afflicted by a disease.

A young woman has saved hundreds of trees in Bihar's East Champaran district by finding a cure for their ailment.

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Kiran Kumari, a 19-year-old science student of Class 12, discovered a remedy that treated Seesam trees spread over about 600 acres. The trees - highly prized for their timber - regained instant health three years after they had been afflicted by a disease.

She is a resident of Manjhar village in East Champaran, about 200 km from Patna, and a farmer's daughter. Her efforts were recognised last year when she was awarded president's medal.

"Kiran's hard efforts to protect Seesam trees bore fruit as greenery was back on trees and smile back on faces of people," said Maheshwar Singh, a villager.

"After experimenting with dozens of remedies to protect Seesam trees, I discovered a simple but effective remedy to save these trees afflicted by diseases. I treated the roots of the trees with a diluted solution of kerosene (50 ml kerosene with 10 litres of water) and painted the stems with lime solution mixed with tobacco," Kiran told IANS on phone.

Kiran plans to study environmental science and then to work for the protection of trees. "I love to devote my time to protect trees and greenery," she said.