Versova’s garbage-guru to JVPD garden’s rescue

Residents of JVPD who were shocked to see the uprooted coconut trees in their backyard a few days ago (Westside Plus, issue dated ), which they thought were too damaged to be replanted at the controversial recreation garden plot near Vidyanidhi School are elated over the fact that these trees are likely to survive thanks to being treated with soil conditioner and bio-sanitized water.

Bio-santizer and soil conditioner at work

Shantharam Shenai who runs Green Cross Society (GCS) at Versova and is involved with composting of green waste through bio-sanitization process reached the ground on February 17, and was seen working closely with many others including Sanjay Hegde, Chairman of, Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Association (GASWA) who had asked his help to ensure that the trees which were uprooted do not die.

Points out Shenai, “Transplanting of any tree has to be carried out in a scientific manner and it should be ensured that the roots are not damaged or cut, which sends the tree in state of what we can call shock and here the situation was same as the roots were severely damaged.” 

The special compost prepared from vegetable waste and coconut

Explaining further Shenai informed that they have put in soil conditioner, which is compost prepared from vegetable waste and coconut that is sprinkled with bio-sanitized water along the periphery of the roots and in the soil and also watered the trees that were uprooted with bio-sanitized water. “Soil conditioner provides a medium for root growth anda bio-sanitized water not only encourages this process but also helps to reduce the shock the tree goes through once its roots are damaged.”

Talking to WSP, Sanjay Hegde Chairman of GASWA says, “We are watering the trees with bio-sanitized water we got from Shenai and are keeping a close watch. So far the trees are doing fine.”

Hegde was quick to add that around 25 trees were marked for removal and around 5 to 6 trees were even uprooted. “Digging was on for the remaining ones around the roots but we managed to transplant all of them and also plant as many more saplings as a mark of our retaliation,” he stated. 

Sangeeta Bajpai, a JVPD resident who was planting saplings at a congregation meet of residents of Juhu on this plot recently as a mark of protest against tree felling by Ronson Foundation who happens to be caretaker of this plot, said, “I remember that around 1987 we students from Vidyanidhi School had planted all these trees. We were very agitated when we heard that these tress were being felled.

” Bajpai also added that such incidences sent a wrong message to children as on the one hand we hold tree plantation drives and on the other hand, we stand as mute witnesses while such cruelty happens in our own neighbourhood.
virat.singh@timesgroup.com