Wasted effort

In an attempt to promote the green drive among the masses, civic officials from M(W) ward decided to rope in citizens from various resident associations to plant 72 saplings along the service road stretching from Amar Mahal up to Somaiya Nullah. August 1, was the day chosen for this green initiative.

Citizens gather around one of the saplings from which the tree guard was stolen

Sadly, prominent citizens like N K Pratapan from Pestomsagar Residents Forum and the local corporator Raja Chougale who took part in this drive were shocked to find the tree guards missing. The very next day after the green drive, over 20 such tree guards were missing.

Citizens were keen on helping with the drive. In the words of Dr V Sangole, joint secretary of Pestomsagar LACG, “We were very happy to partake in this drive because it was for the cause of the environment. We hear so much about global warming that we felt that helping the corporation in planting these saplings was the best way to prevent encroachments as well as to preserve the environment.”

Describing the incident, G N Gaokar, a senior citizen from the area said, “When they planted the saplings they also placed tree guards (metal jaalis) to protect these saplings. However, these tree guards were loosely placed on the ground. When I told them to cement the area around the guards so that they remain firm on the ground, I was assured that it would be done shortly. The very next day some 20 tree guards were stolen.” Residents feel it was negligence on part of the corporation that made this theft possible.

P Bhasikar, another resident pointed out, “When I enquired about maintenance of the plants by the watering the saplings etc, the civic staff told me that it would be taken care of. Now, most of the plants have withered away as no watering was done. The absence of rain also made the situation worse.

I feel it is all a wasted effort.” When S D Warise, horticulturalist from M(W)-ward was contacted, he admitted, “We planted 72 saplings along the service road. Some 20 tree guards each costing Rs 1,000 were placed around some of the trees to protect them.

Our staff had planned to cement the guards or fix them firmly on Monday. However, all these guards (except for one that remains intact) went missing on Sunday. Our tree officer has already complained to the local police about this.” He went on to add, “We will continue with our drive but in future we will be more cautious with the guards.”