The next time you visit Neelankarai, make sure you study an ingenious watering method that is being practised along a stretch of its beach. To overcome the issue of water shortage, residents of Neelankarai are practising drip irrigation to grow over 400 native saplings on the sands of the beach. The benefits of this green initiative, launched on September 3, are expected to go beyond beautification of the beach and the provision of shade for visitors. “Certain trees help control soil erosion,” says Nandkumar Sundaram, an orthopaedic surgeon and a resident of Casurina Drive in Neelankarai, who came up with this idea.
He was inspired by his father N. V. Sundaram, an agriculture scientist, to take up this environment-friendly initiative. According to him, the biggest challenge in growing plants is ensuring people take the responsibility of watering them.
“On the sands of the beach, it becomes ever more difficult as a longer stretch has to be covered and sea breeze often destroys plants,” he says.
By adopting drip irrigation, residents feel, the issue of labour and water scarcity can be taken care of. Water for the saplings is being provided by residents of five bungalows along the beach, through taps. As per the arrangement, the families are required to keep these taps open for five minutes, every day. These saplings are provided with shields which protect them against acts of vandalism and the elements of nature.
“Besides tree guards, plastic sheets are used as protection for these saplings. These sheets protect them from sea breeze,” says Sundaram, adding that he consulted the Agriculture Department for help on enabling the plants to grow on their own, with minimal intervention.
This initiative is said to have the support of regular visitors to the beach as well as residents of the neighbourhood and its surrounding areas.
“We have people from different residents’ associations and clubs helping us,” says J. Ragupathy, vice-president of Kapaleeswarar Nagar Residents’ Association. “We announced the plan through various WhatsApp groups and also sought contributions from people.”
The project cost over ₹1.5 lakh, which was generated through contributions by residents. Another highlight of the initiative: involving the children of the fishermen community. Residents held a series of talks with over 15 children who have agreed to take care of the plants.
“They were excited when we said we could name a tree after each of them. Many have even started watering them,” says Ragupathy, adding that every walker to the beach should help monitor the growth of these saplings till they can be on their own.