from here & there; Creating biodiverse zones

Chandrappa of Yaladodlu Gollarahatti in Tumakuru district has set an example for others by planting trees in over 50 places across the district. The places where he has undertaken greening activity include temple premises, catchment areas and hillocks. He initiated this effort three years ago and depends on the Forest Department for saplings.

“Now the department personnel know about my effort and encourage me by providing the saplings of my preference,” he says. Chandrappa chooses fruit-bearing varieties like jamun and jackfruit. “They become a source of food for birds and animals,” Chandrappa says. His is a one-man effort with the  goal of developing biodiverse zones in the district. He does all the work — from digging the pit to sourcing the saplings and planting them.

He doesn’t even take money from others for this work. Apart from this, Chandrappa also takes utmost care to protect and nurture the plants. During summer, he waters the plants once in a week. He beams with satisfaction when he says that almost all the saplings he has planted so far have survived.