About

About Us

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.

Philosophy

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.

Focus Area

Awareness Generation

Native Tree Conservation

Environmental Pollution

Biodiversity Conservation

Waste Management

Water Conservation

Soil Health Conservation

Human Wildlife Conflict

Patron

Sant Gurmeet Singh Ji

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.

Our Advisors

Dr Surjit Patar

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

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

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).

Our Team

Our Partners

Environment Conservation Fair

Annual event of the society where latest information is disseminated through exhibition of concepts,technology and tools for environment conservation.

Awards

The society recognises contribution of organisations and individuals for field work as well as awarenessgeneration for environment conservation through annual awards.

Tree Walks

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

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 walk and Forest bathing

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.

Nature awareness camps

Unwind for 2-3 days in the lap of nature with slow paced fun filled activities for exploration, knowledgeand relaxation.

Competition for students

Society aims to foster environmental stewardship in school and college students to help them develop intoresponsible and concerned citizens by organising environment related competitions.

Development of Biodiversity and Native tree parks

Our experts plan and help in development of biodiversity parks and Native tree parks for in-situconservation of flora and fauna.

Restoration of water bodies

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.

Soil health management

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.

Agricultural Biodiversity enhancement

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.

Wildlife conservation

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.