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Society for Conservation and Healing of Environment (SOCH) is non-profit organisation registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860. The group started as Nature Tree Foundation in 2010, working on conservation of native tree species of Punjab, which has been rechristened as SOCH in 2021, expanding its ambit to all issues related to environment. The society has been established with the objective of reconnecting people to nature, creating awareness about environmental problems by dissemination of scientific knowledge and coordinate with various organisations and individuals working on such issues for synergistic efforts towards environmental amelioration.
We believe that disconnect from nature is a major cause of environmental and health problems of present times. World can be a better living place if we have a sense of respect for all living and non-living entities and understand the importance of their contribution in our lives. We are a democratic organisation and all decisions are taken after appropriate deliberation and discussion.
Awareness Generation
Native Tree Conservation
Environmental Pollution
Biodiversity Conservation
Waste Management
Water Conservation
Soil Health Conservation
Human Wildlife Conflict
Sant Gurmeet Singh ji is Head of Guru Sahib Charitable Trust, Khosa Kotla. In addition to being a spiritual leader, he is a social transformer working in the field of Education, Sports, Organic farming, and Environment conservation for more than 30 years.
Dr Surjit Patar is the most celebrated contemporary Punjabi poet. His verses have been endeared by masses and critics alike. Recipient of numerous literary awards, he was honoured with Padma Shri in 2012. Presently, he is the president of Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh.
Dr Manjit Singh Kang, former Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, and adjunct Professor (Plant Pathology) at Kansas State University is an internationally acclaimed geneticist and plant breeder. He has more than four decades of research, teaching, and administrative experience in the field of agriculture. He is author of numerous books & technical publication, editor of many international journals and a prolific writer on agricultural problems of Punjab.
Dr Manish Kapoor is Head Department of Botany and Coordinator, Centre for Restoration of Ecosystem of Punjab, Punjabi University, Patiala. He has more than 20 years of research and teaching experience in Botany, Horticulture and Biodiversity conservation. He is member of Seed Conservation Specialist Group of Species Survival Commission (SSC) and Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Annual event of the society where latest information is disseminated through exhibition of concepts,technology and tools for environment conservation.
The society recognises contribution of organisations and individuals for field work as well as awarenessgeneration for environment conservation through annual awards.
Our tree walks are leisurely strolls lead by experts who share in depth information, fun facts and tips aboutplanting and care of trees.
Nature walks are an opportunity to explore plants, birds, insects and many more wonders of nature throughall senses and experience their stress busting power.
Forest walks are a great way to understand natural cycles and their importance in our lives. Forest bathingis a form of mindful meditation with well documented health benefits.
Unwind for 2-3 days in the lap of nature with slow paced fun filled activities for exploration, knowledgeand relaxation.
Society aims to foster environmental stewardship in school and college students to help them develop intoresponsible and concerned citizens by organising environment related competitions.
Our experts plan and help in development of biodiversity parks and Native tree parks for in-situconservation of flora and fauna.
Village ponds have been integral part of Punjabi culture which served as mini biodiversity hotspots apartfrom being water storage and drainage structures. Our experts help in rejuvenating water bodies withholistic ecosystem approach.
Intensive cultivation and overuse of chemicals has badly affected soil health of Punjab. SOCH helpsfarmers to conserve soil health by residue management and natural farming.
Overdependence on Rice-Wheat rotation has severely reduced agricultural biodiversity in the state. SOCHpromotes agricultural biodiversity through cultivation of millets, horticulture crops agroforestry andmedicinal plants.
Punjab has very small area under forest and that too is facing fragmentation leading to further depletionof wildlife and increasing human wildlife conflict. Our wildlife experts are involved in rescue andrehabilitation of wild animals as well as awareness generation to mitigate conflict.
President
Dr Balwinder Singh Lakhewali is a well-known Environmentalist. He has been generating awareness on environmental issues especially conservation of native trees, for more than 18 years. He has authored three books on tree plantation and has written numerous articles in newspapers about trees of Punjab.
Vice President
S. Taranpreet Singh Sidhu is an IT and management expert and co-founder of Apni Kheti, a mobile App based digital platform that support, educate and provide various solutions to farmers through technology. The app is serving as bridge to connect farmers to subject matter experts and resolving their problems in real time.
Secretary
Dr Brij Mohan Bhardwaj is an Environmental Horticulturist with over 20 years of academic and field experience in urban horticulture and native tree conservation. He has been involved in generating awareness about native flora and fauna of Punjab and its conservation.
Joint Secretary
Er. Amarjeet Singh is an agriculture engineers working on soil conservation. He has been actively involved in measures like conservation tillage, residue management, water use optimization and rejuvenation of water bodies.
Treasurer
Sh. Vikas Sharma is an account professional with vast experience in management of NGO activities and has run several successful campaigns on environmental and social issues within and outside Punjab.
Media coordinator
Mrs. Sarabjeet Kaur is an IT professional with && years of experience in content creation and media management. She has been coordinating with print, digital and social media for dissemination of information on farming activities and issues.
