Schools take up afforestation with a bang

Though the Department had initial apprehensions about the reaction of school teachers and the students, the full-fledged support extended from the schools and colleges has overthrown the inhibitions now.

Under the scheme, 3,970 fruit bearing and other saplings have been distributed to interested students from 46 schools of Dakshina Kannada district and 2,865 saplings have been distributed to 40 schools across the district. If 3,970 saplings were distributed as a part of ‘Maguvigondu Mara,’ 2,865 plants were distributed under ‘Shalegondu Vana.’

The Government First Grade College at Kavoor in the city limits has received applauds from the Forest Department for its outstanding interest shown in the plantation drive.
With as many as 103 saplings of various types including jackfruit, mango, wild jack, almond, Mahagany, teakwood etc being planted around the campus, the college teachers and students are expecting their college to be surrounded by greenery in another few years.

Speaking to  City Herald, College Principal Sridhar Maniyani said that though he was quite doubtful about nurturing the plants initially, after observing the developments in a span of one and half months, he is confident that the saplings would get the lease of life.

 “The NSS students of our college themselves dug the pits and planted the saplings. We have allotted each plant to each interested student from first year and second year degree. Those students are supposed to take care of their plant for next two years, which is a crucial time in the plants’ life,” he said.

He said that students have automatically developed an affection towards the new plants, so much so that they visit the surrounding and inspect the plants everyday morning.

“With this trend, I think the students themselves would come and water the plants during summer. If not, then the college staff would take up the responsibility after looking after the plants,” he informed, adding that it was his dream to make the College surroundings green.

Some of the schools and colleges have also maintained a diary to record the varieties of saplings planted under the scheme, their growth, care taker etc. The Head Master of St Antony High School in Amtur near Kalladka, Fr Leo Lobo said that his school students were keen to plant the saplings. “Though we could plant only 35 saplings in the school surroundings due to space constraints, over 150 children have carried home one sapling each which they would nurture in their home premises,” he said.

Deputy Conservator of Forest O Palaiah expressed his contentment over the response he has received towards the campaign.

“By developing love towards plants and trees among the children, we can be hopeful of having a green future tomorrow. With the kind of good response, we have received from the schools and colleges this year, we would extend the campaign next year to rest of the schools having spacious surroundings,” he informed.