Meet 9-year-old Abhinab Deb, the ‘oxygen boy’ from Cachar who starts planting 1000 trees

July 5: The shortage of oxygen causing hundreds of deaths of Covid-19 patients in the country during the second wave of the pandemic has focused attention on increasing the green cover and ensuring that our air — our every breath — is not polluted. The focus has now been shifted to increasing the tree density and repairing the ecosystem’s health. A similar idea struck a 9-year-old kid in remote Barjalenga area under Dholai Assembly constituency of Cachar district in Assam.

9-year-old Abhinab Deb has been continuously listening the elders talk about the shortage of oxygen during the 2nd wave of coronavirus pandemic leading to the loss of lives throughout the world. He has read in his Science book that trees produce oxygen. This curiosity led the little boy studying in Class III at Delhi Public School, Silchar to ask his parents numerous questions about oxygen, environment, planting tress and the like. One fine morning, he went to his parents and expressed the desire of planting 1000 trees which would enhance the green covering of the environment and thereby result in production of more oxygen.

Initially, his parents did not take him so seriously. But the very next day, when they saw that he somehow managed a few saplings and went out to plant them, they understood that little Abhinab meant what he said. His parents, relatives and the neighbours too became inspired at this idea and came out to support little Abhinab in this unique endeavour. Abhinab keeps himself busy now in planting saplings to achieve his target along with the active support of his parents. Moreover, being a tree, Abhinab never allows felling of any tree at his house and also in his vicinity.

Talking about his initiative, the nine-year-old Abhinab said, “I have heard that people are dying because of lack of oxygen. My teachers have said that trees are the only source of oxygen and we can increase oxygen by planting and preserving the trees. I want to protect each and every tree in our area and would also like to plant more and more. I have started planting saplings on my birthday and this will go on still I make my entire area full of valuable trees.”

Abhinab’s mother Bulti Deb who is also an Anchalik Panchayat member said that the humble effort is to help their son realize the importance of plantation and greenery. “We have fenced the saplings and hope that the whole stretch of 2 kms is full of greenery very soon.”