Greening the pathways has always been a passion for T.C. Lawrence, better known as the ‘green cop of Thiruvalla.’ Till his retirement from the Kerala Police as Sub-Inspector eight years ago, he had planted not less than 250 saplings in the Thiruvalla municipal limits in 23 years.
Though many of his well-nursed trees have made way for development or perished in wind and rain, there are still a few with lush green canopy that provide cool shelter to the pedestrians and those waiting at various bus stops in the town. Of his 33 years with the Police Department, Mr. Lawrence had got the opportunity to do traffic control duty in Thiruvalla town for 23 years.
“The idea of growing shade trees on the wayside struck to me while doing traffic control duty in the town. I was moved at the sight of elderly people and women carrying small kids waiting at bus stops, braving the hot sun. That was the beginning of my greening mission,’’ says Mr. Lawrence.
Support from many
He said the civic body, his superior officers, and the merchants supported him in the mission.
Even after his retirement, Mr. Lawrence continues his green drive.
Working as a liaison officer of a textile-cum-jewellery group at Thiruvalla, he has been distributing saplings of fruits and herbs on the World Environment Day every year.
Mr. Lawrence, supported by the textile’s manager Shelton Raphael, is planning to distribute 5,000 saplings on the World Environment Day on Tuesday.