The third phase of creating dense vegetation along the bund of Vellalore lake using Miyawaki method began on Sunday with 700 volunteers planting 1,500 saplings.
The 1,500 saplings planted by the volunteers in the afforestation drive included 130 types of trees. This adds to 2,000 saplings which were planted in phase one and two of Miyawaki afforestation drive held in the lake earlier.
Aimed at improving the biodiversity of the lake which is spread on 90 acres, the saplings were planted on 13,000 sq.ft. The plot lies adjacent to the existing Miyawaki vegetation on the tank bund.
R. Manikandan of Kovai Kulangal Paathukappu Amaippu , which coordinates the afforestation drive at the tank, said that the plot where the saplings were planted on Sunday was prepared in advance.
“Water hyacinths were removed from Singanallur lake and vegetable wastes were dumped in the plot after digging pits. The plot was later levelled and watered for 10 days for natural generation of compost before the saplings were planted on Sunday,” he said.
A fence has been erected around the saplings to protect them from stray cattle.
District Collector R. Rajamani, Kinathukadavu MLA A. Shanmugam and Deputy Commandant of Rapid Action Force 105 Battalion Singaravelu were among guests who took part in the afforestation drive. Cameron Manufacturing India Private Limited bore expenses for the drive.
