Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
Know all about plants at NMMC expo
The tenth edition of plant, flowers, fruits and vegetable exhibition and garden competition kicked of f at Wonders Park in sector 19 A in Nerul on Friday to raise awareness amongst the residents with respect to the environment.
Organised by Tree Authority of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), the threeday expo was inaugurated by mayor Sudhakar Sonawane.
MLAs Manda Mhatre and Sandeep Naik were also present. The expo, entry to which is free is open for visitors from 10 am to 9 pm. It will be held till February 21.
Hundreds of varieties of flowers, ornamental plants, indoor plants, cactus, bonsai, varied vegetables and fruit plants are on display.
Around hundred stalls have been put up at expo to inform people about planting trees, selection of seeds, fertilizers, methods of watering, pruning, cutting plants.
Several top industries, educational institutions, housing societies, NGOs along with a large number of individual tree lovers are participating in the exhibition-cum-competition. The competition will be held among participants in 21 different categories.
Son a wane said“Na vi Mumbai, touted as the city of 21st century, is on anvil of becoming eco- city. NGOs, housing societies, schools, colleges and tree lovers have made valuable contribution to NMMC’s endeavour to make Navi Mumbai eco city.”
He said: “The civic body has been organising the fruit and flower show for past nine years to make citizens aware about environment conservation, provide them with an opportunity to take a close look at diversity of city’s flora and fauna under one roof as well as promote environmentalists’ works towards protection of
environment.”
Chandrakant Tayde, assistant municipal commissioner, said: “Alert residents have made significant contribution to make Navi Mumbai eco city. Plant, flowers, fruits and vegetable expo has help bring city residents under one roof. We want maximum people to benefit from the expo.”
He said the civic body will plant trees at road dividers, vacant spots, vital chowks in the city in coming days to beautify them and make the city more green.
“We wish to raise awareness about importance of tree plantation. We want maximum people to come forward to conserve environment by taking up tree plantation,” said Tayde.
The closing ceremony of expo will be held on Sunday at 5.30 pm. The winners of competition will be given prizes by the mayor.
Jayakar Ellis, president of Heart Foundation, said: “We have more than 20 musical bands performing in the next three days from all over the region and this is the first of its kind in Navi Mumbai.”
He said: “The timings are from 4pm to 10pm with the grand f inale happening on Sunday. Through this initiative the youth have assured us of their support to spread awareness of Social Initiative called “SEED” (Save Earth from Eternal Damage).”