Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Jul 16 (IANS): A holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, will now allow devotees in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj to see mythological trees on the banks of the rivers.

The first of its kind 'Sanskritik Forest' in the state will be created at Sadaphaldeo Ashram on the Jhunsi side of Sangam (Chatnag).

Talks are on with three institutions to develop this forest in Chatnag.

The initiative aims at restoring the ecosystem with the efforts of the Forest Research Centre for Eco Rehabilitation (FRCER), Prayagraj, wherein forestation and taking care of saplings would go hand in hand with the religious beliefs of the common man.

The first 'Sanskritik Forest' will be developed in the premises of Sadafaldeo Ashram on two hectare of land.

In this area more than 100 saplings of the trees mentioned in the religious texts would be planted. These trees would be carefully segregated as they are related to the main deities of Sanatan Dharma in one way or the other.

Kumud Dubey, senior scientist at FRCER said, "There are more than 100 trees, including Ashok, Kadam, Banyan, Pipal, which have mythological significance. These trees are related to some deity in some era or the other, and people should know and recognise these trees for which this effort is being made."

The religious and traditional importance of the trees would be mentioned on a board put up at the sapling of each tree that will be planted in the 'Sanskritik Forest', she added.

"The idea is to have a number of 'Vatika' within the forest, each named after the sect or deity that the sect follows like 'Sankar Vatika', 'Buddha Vatika', 'Jain Vatika' etc. Each of these Vatika's would have trees related to the deity concerned", said Dubey.

FRCER also plans to plant a number of saplings in the Chandrashekar Azad Park of the city. Saplings of the trees that have medicinal properties will be planted in the park by the Centre.

"More than 100 saplings will be planted within a week and the same would relieve people from various ailments," Dubey added.

Volunteers of 'Ganga Samagra', an organisation associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), are already developing forest land within a five kilometre radius of the Ganga river.