City regaining its green glory

Survival rate of plants after Hudhud damage is85 per cent

Trees that were planted after cyclone Hudhud at MVP Rytu Bazar Junction in Visakhapatnam.— PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK

Trees planted in the city to restore green cover after the devastation caused by cyclone Hudhud have recorded an 85 per cent survival. More than two months after their massive planting at a distance of five meters each, the 59,000 saplings are growing well. They have been planted in all the 72 wards of GVMC and Anakapalle (1800) and Bhimili (2000). Besides efforts by other well-meaning organisations added another 20,000 saplings with the CMR group alone contributing 10,000.

A schedule to water the plants has been followed leading to good survival, according to officials.

During the first 10 days supplementing the Forest Department’s tankers the saplings were watered every day. Later, the regularity was reduced gradually as the trees survived and most of them were more than two years in age, according to Assistant Director (Horticulture) M. Damodar Rao. He describes the 85 per cent survival in an urban area as really good.

Now a total of 28 tankers, GVMC using its own and hiring some, are watering the plants. At MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam East MLA V. Ramakrishnababu has pressed into service a tanker on his own. Similarly, adopting Shivajipalem, CREDAI has also deployed a tanker for watering. The Municipal Commissioner has also instructed the Superintendent Engineer (water supply), three EEs and AEs in the zones and zone commissioners to coordinate supply for watering.

Residents’ efforts

Besides, residents in the respective areas are pitching in with their efforts by informing about the state of plants and watering themselves.

During the five days of the Sankranti festival with a string of holidays many residents were away and GVMC increased its tanker trips to ward off the dryness, Mr. Damodar Rao has said.

At MVP Colony a special colour scheme has been taken up to give a distinct look to each of the areas following a suggestion made by Mr. Ramakrishnababu. Seven varieties of plants with different flowering colours are being planted on 12 sectors.

Of the 3,480 plants, still 900 remain to be planted. The work will be completed in the next few days, says Mr. Damodar Rao.

The plants are being brought from nurseries at Kadiam.