The garden committee of Indira Nagar Women’s Association and International Vallalar Foundation have embarked on a project which aims to make Indira Nagar and its neighbourhoods a mosquito-free zone by growing nochi plants in the neighbourhood.
“Nochi is a natural repellent. Nochi can be gown as an indoor plant as well. I have it in my kitchen and I don’t find even lizards and cockroaches these days,” says S. Karpagam a member of the association.
“Next to Indira Nagar, we will be focusing on Kotturpuram, Chemmenchery, Malligai Nagar, Govindapuram and banks of Coovum,” she adds
“It is the first-phase of the project. On a pilot basis, around 600 Nochi saplings have been distributed at a spiritual fair which was recently held in Thiruvanmiyur. We taught about the importance of the plant to student visitors and gave away the saplings,” says Arul Nandhi Shivam, founder and managing trustee of International Vallalar Foundation.
“It is a cost-effective and environment-friendly operation to do away with the menace. When a mosquito sits on the leaves of this plant, it becomes sterile. So, gradually the population of the vector can be curbed. It is also believed that the odour of its leaves is allergic to the insect,” he says.
“The saplings are provided by the Chennai Corporation. It is one of the ambitious projects of the Corporation,” he adds
“We expect as many residents to come and get the saplings and this way they are extending their cooperation to curb the menace,” says Arul
As many as 1,000 Nochi saplings will be distributed on August 12 for free of cost at Indira Nagar Women’s Association, No: 44, First Main Road, Indira Nagar, Adyar. Time: 12.30.p.m. There will be a session on the benefits of having nochi as a household plant.
Those interested to get the saplings and take part in the awareness programme need to register with any one of the following members: Karpagam Padmanaban at 9841513151 or S. Karpagam at 90946 86187 or N. Vasantha at 98407 49112.
Institutions such as colleges, schools, corporate firms of any other who wish to get more than 10 saplings have to provide a letter of request duly signed by the authorities concerned.
Besides the campaign on nochi, there will be another programme on soil-less farming by Radha Krishnan of Good Governance Guards. Also, coconut saplings will be distributed.
Also, S. Karpagam is a Siddha practioner and environmental activist. Corporate firms and educational institutions those interested can contact her to set up herbal gardens.
