In one of the biggest plantation projects in the city, Mangalore Green Brigade and the Forest Department are planting nearly 3,000 saplings from Kulai to Mangladevi Temple.
Skirting the National Highway from Kulai to Nantoor, the drive also covers Suthan Batheri, Valencia, Nandigudda, Marnamikatte, said Jeet Milan Roche, who is coordinating the project. He said mostly flowering plants were chosen from the Forest Department nursery in Padil.
Objections
While, the planting is under progress, Mr. Roche said progress was affected by shopkeepers who object planting in front of their shop or autorickshaw drivers who believed it affected their autorickshaw stand or even Corporators, who did not want planting done citing possible road widening.
The group, which is levelling the ground beside the road before planting, is also encountering the seedy side of the city. “We find dead cats, dogs, condoms, lots of whiskey bottles, even mattresses having been dumped by the side of the road,” he said.
Clifford Lobo, Range Forest Officer, Mangalore, said the planting would change the face of the city. “This year, we are concentrating on the city. More than 10,000 saplings will be planted in the city and along highways. In five years, the trees will blossom beautifully along roads,” he said.
