An initiative started by one resident with a small gesture has now grown many branches.
A tree planting exercise, started in February 2017 by P. Saravana Kumar, founder, Madipakkam Social Service Trust, is now supported by 30 like-minded individuals.
Initially, a real estate development company distributed saplings for free, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. Additionally, a meagre amount from the membership fees was used for buying tree guards. The saplings were planted at Enfield Avenue, Anna Nagar, Karpagambal Nagar, Lakshmi Nagar and Thanthai Periyar Nagar Extension in Madipakkam.
“I used to plant the saplings, along with the tree guards, and water them regularly. Seeing me maintaining the plants alone, more residents showed interest in taking care of the trees. Apart from the physical labour involved in the maintenance of the saplings, residents of Madipakkam and other commercial establishments in the locality started donating money for buying saplings and tree guards. Even a State Highway Department official donated saplings in large numbers.”
In May this year, Kumar and other volunteers formed Madipakkam Social Service Trust (MSST). Till date, thirty volunteers have joined the drive and planted more than 2,000 saplings at 30 areas in Madipakkam. By planting saplings at Balaiah Garden and Bazaar Street, Madipakkam, these volunteers have completed the plantation drive successfully for the 80th consecutive week.
“Even senior citizens take part in the saplings-plantation drives. Irrespective of the climatic condition, the sapling-plantation drive is carried out every weekend. Apart from Madipakkam, we have planted saplings in Puzhuthivakkam, Sunnambu Kolathur, Kovilambakkam and at Ayyappan Nagar Eri, Sitheri lake, Odheeshwarar temple tank and at Naicker Kuttai. Members have also planted 70 saplings on Medavakkam Main Road. Plans are on to plant around 200 saplings, in phases. Kumar can be contacted at 8754400154.
