SOWING SEEDS FOR FUTURE: Youth plant 120 trees in Dahisar
Planting trees not only strengthens roots of our future, it also tightens the bond among people. Three young residents of Sumati Niwas building in Dahisar have planted more than 120 saplings, ensuring a bright future for their society and environment in the long run.
The trio planted 20 neem saplings followed by 100 saplings of golden duranta, which are kept as ornamental plants in gardens and parks. “Neem saplings are to be planted at least six feet apart from hence keeping distance for them to grow. And since we had so much space with us in the ground, we also opted for the ornamental plants to add greenery in our society,” said Archis Patil, (23), an engineer and one of the initiators of their project.
Known to survive for up to 300 years with limited water needs, the neem tree is a natural air purifier, can withstand high temperatures and improves soil fertility. Experts say that on a blistering hot day, the temperature under a neem tree can be up to 10 degrees lower than the surrounding area.
“If there comes a time where we have to choose one tree out of the ecosystem, we will go for Neem because it is the best air purifier. And in a city like Mumbai where pollution is evident and ever-persisting, neem trees are essential,” said Omkar Iyer (23).
The neem trees will also regulate the local climate, improve soil health and increase plant diversity in the area.
The young guns approached the society committee and informed them about their plan. The trio had initially decided to contribute the cost among each other, but after they recited the initiative to fellow residents, they decided to contribute to the plan.
“We wanted around Rs 2,500 to execute our plan. Fortunately, we received around Rs 1,600 from the tenants itself. That turned out to be great help,” said Akshay Vartak (25), adding, “But special mention has to be given to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) nursery that helped us in our initiative.”
The nursery facilitated Dahisar residents by giving saplings in subsidised rates. The neem saplings which costs Rs 210-220 for one was given by the nursery at Rs 90. “People hardly know about benefits and schemes the BMC offers. Under ‘Swachha Bharat Abhiyan’, many environmental initiatives are taken and people taking such plans are also welcomed,” said Arjun Shetye who heads the nursery in Gorai, Borivali. The group wishes to start an open library in the premises and also wants to plant some more trees in future. “We want to be one of those societies people look up to. In fact, some complexes even approached us to replicate the same. We planted trees and hopefully some seeds in people’s minds to conserve environment,” said Patil.