Chemist on a mission to colour the city green

Mysuru: When the city reported its hottest day at 38 degrees Celsius in March, N Raghavan, proprietor of Raghu Lal drug store, was dismayed. Despite Mysuru having the best green cover in the state, the increase in temperature to all-time high in 80 years had surprised him. Today, Raghavan is on a mission to increase Mysuru’s vital lung space by planting as many saplings as he can.
So, till now, Raghavan planted 2,850 saplings in various parts of the city this year. His latest project is to plant 277 saplings around Lalitha Mahal helipad. Unlike in the past, Raghavan has replaced iron tree guards with bamboo, which is cost-effective. This is also one of the reasons for planting more saplings this season.
Raghavan turned a green crusader after he got inspired by the teachings of his spiritual father Sureshanandaji of Ramakrishna Ashrama. It was in 2010 that he started planting saplings. Initially, it was restricted to few localities and stretches. Today, one can find his tree guards on almost every main street of Mysuru and even inside the law court premises.
According to Raghavan, he is happy that almost every sapling planted years ago has grown into big trees and have turned the streets green. His job doesn’t end after planting the trees and covering it with guards. He hires water tankers, nearly four, to water them and ensure that they are watered regularly till the arrival of monsoon. Planting of saplings start from February, said the 54-year-old chemist, adding that as many as 18,875 saplings have been planted in the city so far.
Raghavan, who has been felicitated by many organisations for his work, has recently bought an electric car. He wants to reduce pollution that causes harm to mother nature as much as he can. He has donated tree guards that would cost approximately Rs 900 each to many organisations, even to the forest department. The chemist is now opting for bamboo tree guards.
Planting of saplings also require a proper study. Unlike in the past, today saplings are planted after inspecting places. They’re not planted below power cables or at any installations. Honge, Basavana Pada (butterfly tree), mahagoni and nerale are some of the common trees planted in large numbers.
Deputy conservator of forests, Mysuru, KC Prashanth Kumar, described Raghavan’s contribution to city’s green cover as commendable. Forest officials said there is no provision in the department to install tree guards to protect the saplings but Raghavan’s contribution to the department is appreciable on this score.