This document summarizes the details of the "Best Tree Contest" organized by GEM and Infant Jesus High School in Jogeshwari, Mumbai. The contest encourages local residents to plant trees and increase greenery in the area. All Jogeshwari residents can participate individually or in groups by planting up to 5 tree saplings each before June 30th. Entrants will receive free saplings in July and judges will evaluate tree growth and health in February to award prizes, including Rs. 3,000 for first place. The contest aims to improve the local environment through increased tree coverage.

1. BEST TREE
CONTEST

2. BEST TREE CONTEST
Organised by
GEM
And INFANT JESUS HIGH SCHOOL,
Jogeshwari-East.

4. What is the purpose of this contest?
The purpose of this contest is to
encourage residents to plant trees and
increase the greenery in and around
Jogeshwari.

5. Who can participate in this
contest?
All residents of Jogeshwari - East
are eligible to participate in this
contest.

6. Where to plant the tree?
Before deciding to
participate in this contest,
you have to look out for a
space to plant a tree
sapling. It could in front
of your house, in your
neighbourhood, in the
housing society
compound etc.

7. Is it a group contest or individual contest?
It can be participated by individuals or a
group of participants like SCC Eco Kids
Clubs, housing society, a friends group, a
neigbours group etc
(further rules are there in the entry form).

8. How to apply for this contest?
Those who would
like to participate
in this contest must collect
an entry form which is
available at the INFANT
JESUS HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE
OR CHURCH OFFICE @ Rs 20/- only.
Duly filled entry forms to be returned back
latest by June 30, 2016.

9. If we have space to plant more than 1 sapling,
can we give more entries?
Sure. You can give up to maximum 5 entries,
which means you can plant up to 5 saplings.
More the entries you give, better the chance of
winning the prizes (See prize details later).

10. Who will give the tree sapling and
when?
Those who submit their entries for
the contest will get one sapling per
entry, free of cost by July 15.

11. After planting the sapling what should we do?
To make sure that you are participating in this
contest, it is a good idea to keep sending a
photograph of your growing tree from time to
time in the GEM WhatsApp group (details about
WhatsApp group will be informed to you after
you submit your entry).

12. When will the judges visit to judge our tree?
After planting the sapling, take good care of the
tree, and see that it grows well. In Feb. 2017, the
judges will visit to judge your tree. You will be kept
informed about this visit in the WhatsApp group.
This means you have about 6/7 months to nurture
the tree and see that it grows well.

13. What is the criteria for judging the tree?
As you know, there cannot be a perfect judging.
However, judges will try their best to give a fair
judgment. The criterion for judging includes the
health of the tree, height, thickness, its look,
base of the tree, manure you use and a short
interview with the contestant etc.

14. Can we use any chemical fertilizer for the speedy
growth of the tree?
No. You cannot use chemical fertilizers. But you are
surely encouraged to use the compost made from the
kitchen wet waste. This compost is eco-friendly.
Besides, you prevent wet waste going to the dumping
ground. Double benefit! However, using too much
compost also may harm the tree.

15. What about watering?
As you will receive the sapling during the rainy
season, you do not have to worry about watering. On
the contrary, you have to see that, there is no water
logging for long time at the base of the tree since the
roots may get damaged. Watering may be needed
only after the rainy season is over.

16. What happens after the contest is
over?
You still need to take care of the tree
for at least 1 or 2 years. Once the tree
becomes strong, it will take care of by
itself.

17. How this contest will benefit the environment?
Imagine, if 100 or 200 trees come up all over
Jogeshwari due to this contest, what a
difference it will make? These trees will cool the
climate, produce oxygen, clean the air, prevent
soil erosion, provide shelter for birds, provide
shade to children to play or rest and so on.

18. Can you tell us what is the purpose of giving prizes
for the winners in this contest?
As said earlier, the purpose of this contest is to
increase the greenery in and around Jogeshwari. As
an encouragement for more and more people to take
interest in planting the trees, cash prizes will be given
as a motivation.

19. What are the prizes?
Since protecting environment is a noble
cause, Infant Jesus High School has
volunteered to allot some funds for prizes.
The prizes will be:
First prize Rs 3,000/-
Second prize Rs 2,000/-
Third prize – Rs 1,000/-
Besides, there will be 10 consolation prizes
of Rs 500/- each.

20. Any conditions apply for the prizes?
These prizes are declared hoping to get a
good response. But the organisers are free
to change the amount of prize money, or
the number of prizes, depending on the
response to the contest.

21. If ours is a group/housing society
contest, how to use the prize money?
It is left to the group to collectively
decide how to spend the money.

22. When will we get the prize? Do you also
give the certificate?
Yes, prize money and GEM certificate will
be awarded to the winners during the
ANNUAL ENVIRONMENT RALLY which is
scheduled for first Sunday of March next
year.

23. Can you tell something about ANNUAL
ENVIRONMENT RALLY
This rally is organised by the SCC wise KIDS ECO CLUBS
of our parish in collaboration with PPC. During this
rally the ECO KIDS along with other members walk in
procession to the Infant Jesus church from different
parts of Jogeshwari creating awareness on
environmental issues.
The highpoint of this rally is the stage programme for
which important dignitaries will attend. This year
(2016) Bishop Bosco Penha was the Chief Guest.
(for a PPT on Jogeshwari SCC KIDS ECO CLUBS visit
www.infantjesusjogeshwari.in)

24. Finally a simple question – why do we
have to take care of environment
including planting trees?
For your simple question, I give a simple
answer given by Pope Francis himself.

25. Entry forms for the BEST TREE CONTEST will be
available from June 15, 2016 at the Infant Jesus High
School office or at Infant Jesus church office.
For any queries, suggestions etc email to:
gemenewsletter@gmail.com or ijcparish@gmail.com
or WhatsApp Mob: 9819688630