SURAT: Enthusiastic denizens having a love for nature added verve to the mega tree plantation drive 'Vave Surat' of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Saturday. A large number of schoolchildren, senior citizens, policemen and youngsters wholeheartedly joined the plantation drive to derive environmental, economic and cultural benefits under urban forestry. Besides representatives from around 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social organizations were also part of the drive.
The tree plantation target was set at 15.3 lakh in the city. However, the residents could plant only over 5 lakh trees. Several thousand tree saplings were distributed to residents free-of-cost from more than 25 tree distribution centres.
The tree plantation drive kick-started after urban development minister Anandi Patel planted the first sapling in an open SMC plot at Joganinagar in Adajan.
A green walk was organized, wherein thousands of students from various school walked from Joganinagar to Honey Park Road in Adajan carrying placards to spread awareness on the urban forestry.
The species that were planted included tulsi, mogra, parijat, asopalav, kasid, billy, alstonia, kadam, karanj, kajieria, peltoforum, gulmohar, neem, vad, peepal, borsalli, tecoma and mitho neem. The fruit trees that were in high demand were that of guava, ramphal, custard apple, badam and aamli.
The diamond hub of Varachha and Katargam took the lead in the tree plantation drive with more than 1.5 lakh saplings distributed to people in the residential societies there.
A social worker Kanji Bhalala, who was instrumental in mobilising the NGOs in Varachha and Katargam areas, told TOI, "The tree plantation drive in the diamond hub was successful. We distributed several thousands of tree saplings to residents and diamond unit owners in the last two days. Our volunteers even provided digging service to plant trees on the main road and in the societies."
Deputy municipal commissioner R J Patel said, "In a single day, city residents planted more than 5 lakh saplings."
1. The tree plantation drive should have been taken up in the middle of the monsoon season. Now, we have to good care of the trees planted in the open plots
Yogesh Kapadia, senior citizen, Adajan
2. If all the residents decide to plant even a single tree, then we would have 45 lakh trees in the city. Trees are good for our environment
Kusum Asmaniwala, senior citizen, Adajan
3. I have planted a tree and have decided to water it everyday. In the next couple of years, my tree will grow tall.
Siddhi Desai, school student
4. I want to beautify my terrace garden, so I have taken saplings of different varieties like tulsi and mogra
Pragna Paatil, college student, Athwalines
5. I was the first one to arrive at the tree distribution centre in the morning. Me and my wife then planted the saplings in our garden
Pravin Patel, lawyer, Athwalines
6. I want to see my city covered with greenery. This will help us to combat the increasing air pollution.
Richa Naika, student, Athwalines
7. I have taken 15 different varieties of plants for my garden. We got them free
Niki Vakilna, housewife, Athwalines
