Residents of Thiruninravur work towards greener localities

When he moved into the locality a little more than a year ago, Prasannavenkatesh was determined to bring a green cover. Sourcing trees like Ashoka, Thoongumoonji Maram, Neem and Vilva Maram, he ensured that the residents from the Thiruninravur Resident Welfare Association took up the initiative to bring about a green canopy in the locality. 

“However, the rains last year and the resultant waterlogging destroyed the plants,” he said. He also wanted to ensure that today’s generation saw the beauty of mango trees and tasted the joy of climbing the trees and plucking fruit from it. 

“We approached Koil Raj, a person who was associated with St Luke’s Church, Mandaveli, that also took up similar initiatives. Soon, they came forward to donate 150 saplings to us,” he said. In Nochi Nagar, Gnanasoundhari, a mother of two has been nursing a much-needed obsession with trees. 

A housekeeping in-charge, Gnanasoundhari, who along with Chennai Trekking Club’ Ainthinai Volunteers, planted trees about two years ago, has taken up the responsibility of taking care of the trees as well. 

Carrying water-filled pots from the fourth floor, she has made a stone barrier to prevent plastic garbage from choking the trees. Today, five trees have grown more than 10 feet tall. 

In the residential spaces of Besant Nagar, the 2016 cyclone had chased away the koel bird with their habitat being uprooted on a large scale. A resident V Chandrasekhar explained, “Thanks to the onslaught of Cyclone Vardah, which left behind a trail of destruction and devastation. 

Besant Nagar was one of the areas most affected. Hundreds of full-grown trees were uprooted. And with the trees gone, Koels vanished.” 

The residents decided to plant a thousand trees or give away a thousand saplings to tree lovers in and around Besant Nagar. Koels, which had vanished from Besant Nagar for two years are now back. 

“We wake up to its shrill whistle every morning. We plan to continue to plant more saplings and distribute free saplings. Those who wish to receive the saplings free can also contact me,” said Chandrasekhar.