Young green thumbs add native plants to city’s soil

“We wanted to create an organisation that was holistic with respect to our city’s development, and not just work on plantations or clean-ups. We started off with our event called ‘Terraform Madras’, through which we plant saplings of indigenous origin in different neighbourhoods. Since indigenous saplings are resistant to local weather conditions and have better chances of growth, we decided to focus on them. We were also particular that we would work with local people from the community while we plant the saplings, so that they would feel a part of the initiative and would feel happy to take care of the saplings,” says Tarana Chordia, a member of the organisation. Other members include Mihika Goyal, Anwar Abazir, Sri Krishnan, Samhitha Duvvuri and Chaturika Chowdhary.

While the first plantation drive in Palavakkam in the southern suburbs of the city involved planting about 70 saplings of poovarasu (Thespesia populnea, commonly known as the portia tree), the group planted a mix of species for their second afforestation drive held a few days ago close to Covelong Beach. “We learned that a variety of species would be helpful in enriching the soil. We also looked for plant species with taproot systems so that they would not be cut off in case of any roadworks,” shares Tarana. The second plantation involved planting about 60 saplings, including punnai (Alexandrian Laurel tree), pungam (Pongamia pinnata), and poovarasu.

The group is keen to experiment with Miyawaki farming method ahead (inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki), through which one can create a forest farms within small spaces.