Mumbai: Thirteen-year-old Jeeya Chanpura is excited as she discusses the Karanj tree with her friends. She tells them that the plant not only grows fast, but also has medicinal value and is used in Ayurveda. Jeeya is the proud caretaker of sapling no. 89 in Kharghar, and says she will leave no stone unturned to ensure her plant grows into a healthy tree. “This is the first time I have adopted a tree. I will water it every day while coming home from school.”
Jeeya is among the 202 people who have pledged to do their bit for the environment by not only planting a tree, but also adopting it as part of a mega tree plantation and adoption drive held in Kharghar on Saturday.
Jyoti Nadkarni, an avid nature lover, says, “I am sure with like-minded people joining hands, the lost fauna, such as birds and insects that the green cover attracts, will be back when these saplings grow into huge trees.”
Sudhir Patel, entrepreneur and social worker, said, “We will all ensure that the saplings planted today will grow into large trees.”
The event was organised by the United Residents of Sector 30-36 Forum, Kharghar, in association with the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC), who had provided the saplings. The programme began with Panvel Municipal Commissioner Sudhakar Shinde planting and adopting a sapling. “It is easy to get saplings planted, but green cover can only be achieved if citizens take the responsibility to ensure the tree grows well. And with the ‘adopt a tree’ concept, the aim can be achieved,” Dr. Shinde said.
The ideal location
Mangesh Ranawade, founder of the forum, said, “We wanted to hold a plantation drive in our sector. However, we also wanted to ensure that the saplings were planted only in a place where no development works have been proposed. Following our request, PCMC officials completed a survey in less than six weeks and suggested that we use a 11.5-meter stretch alongside the service road,” he said.
The 325 saplings have been planted along the stretch from Tata Hospital Square to Tharwani Complex. As the sector sits on hilly rock land, saplings of Karanj, Jamun, Saptaparni and Neem were chosen.
Ensuring accountability
Mr. Ranawade said the concept for the campaign is simple, but ensures that there is accountability. “Each person who has registered with the forum to adopt a plant has been given a number. The number has been tagged to a sapling. It will be the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the plant is watered and nurtured,” he said.
Every week, five members from the forum will review the plant’s growth. “If there is any problem with a plant, the person in charge will be asked about it. And if he or she shows any negligence, the plant will be handed over to someone else,” Mr. Ranawade said.