What: It may be recalled that Anna Nagar went on a tree planting drive, with considerable support from several NGOs, welfare associations, the Exnora Club of Anna Nagar, the Greater Chennai Corporation and even the Forest Department. A few corporates such as BPCL New India Assurance contributed to the initiative by providing tree guards. Residents also participated by watering these roadside trees regularly. However, when platforms came up on the roads for pedestrians, the concrete slabs smothered these trees, preventing seeping of water or rainwater,thereby stunting its growth. Hence, a campaign was initiated to have these cement slabs replaced with perforated cement slabs.
When: 2010 to 2015
Who: Residents’ Welfare Associations, Civic Exnora, Exnora Club of Anna Nagar and tree-loving residents
How: Members of the campaign made several representations to the Greater Chennai Corporation. They interacted with the officials and even went to neighbourhood newspapers to create awareness about the issue. Finally, after five years, the Corporation replaced the cement slabs with perforated cement slabs, which were painted as well. The protective structures around trees on 13th Main Road, 2nd Avenue, 6th Avenue and Shanti Colony have received a makeover. According to S. N. Balasubramanian, a resident and president of Exnora Club of Anna Nagar, the officials understood the hazards of having cement slabs around trees. There was a delay in studying the existing problem, chalking out a new plan and executing it.
Lessons learnt: “Contrary to popular perception, there are officials who understand the issues and try their best to solve them. But time lag is inevitable. There is nothing like persistence and walking the extra mile with the officials concerned,” says Balasubramanian.
