TC Ravindra believes in the power of indigenous plants and has results to prove that. In 2011, when he visited Uttarahalli Lake, as a consultant to the NGO United Way of Bengaluru, the water body was in dire straits and surrounded by a barren land. Six years later, the lake is rejuvenated with a lush cover, aquatic and avian life. To ensure that the lake absorbs maximum rainwater, Ravindra grew all kinds of native plants around the lake. “Of course, a lot of factors came together to revive the lake. You can’t ignore the fact that Uttarahalli has a sewage treatment plant. Afforestation is the only way to save our lakes. Moreover, it is also a solution to a lot of other problems. If you grow different varieties of plants, after five to 10 years, you won’t need any artificial recharging. Makali Beru (decalepis hamiltonii) has been exploited by the pickle industry but it is such a wonderful species for its roots can pierce the rocks and even recharge the dry, hilly regions,” explains Ravindra, who is now working on 15 other lakes in association with various NGOs for their CSR-funded initiatives.
Local, medicinal and tree species like Honge, Arjuna, Kadamba, Banaba, Neem, Jamun, Mahua, and many plants of the ficus family like the Mysore fig (Goni) and cluster fig (Athi) make up the eco-habitat created by a team of Ravindra’s gardeners.
Accompanying them are shrubs, herbs, creepers and floating islands, which are made from recycled materials, carrying the Canna plant. “They are equally important. Shrubs are good air purifiers and some herbs act as mosquito repellents. What happens with floating islands created with proper aquatic species is that they are able to absorb heavy metal. Any water body to thrive needs about 20-30% of aquatic species for they purify the water. So, water hyacinth is good but as long as it grows within limits,” explains Ravindra, who wishes for better awareness and appreciation for native plants. At IndusHerbs, he is growing number of such herbs and spices like tulsi, giloy, ashwagandha, lemongrass, madhunashini, peppermint and supplying them. “You know in ancient times, students would invariably study in Panchvati - a grove of five trees because it released serotonin which activates the brain. And also the Ashoka tree has the power to keep away depression and is beneficial for women,” states Ravindra, who adds, that the lakes need not just nectar plants but also host plants which will attract birds and butterflies to lay eggs on them.
A follower of Yellappa Reddy, former Indian Forest Service officer and environmentalist, Ravindra also learnt about medicinal plants from him. “I can now identify any plant, all thanks to the knowledge and passion I inherited from Reddy. I go to the Western Ghats to study threatened and extinct species. I am also collecting wild fruits from there, which can be planted around lakes,” expresses Ravindra, who is also keen on developing tree parks in the city.
Besides Uttarahalli, he is working on the Kaikondrahalli Lake in Sarjapur, Kowdenahalli Lake, Rachenahalli Lake and Munekulala Lake. “They are shaping up well. We need bio-diversity and we need to take good care of the planted trees for the first two years. Also, we need to change the mindset of having a plant for free. You don’t mind eating at expensive restaurants, but when it comes to a plant, everyone wants it for free.”
TC Ravindra can be contacted for growing various kinds of vertical gardens, sacred gardens or tree parks. Write to him at info@indusherbs.com