Over five lakh seed-balls sown in Kerala in two months as part of eco-restoration drive

Thiruvananthapuram: Over five lakh seed-balls have been thrown in the forest areas of Kerala over the last two months as part of the Kerala forest department's multi-pronged strategy of eco restoration, addressing man-animal conflict and climate change.

Impressed over the effectiveness of the project, similar initiatives are being made in urban areas too by civic bodies with the aim of attaining carbon neutral status.

A mix of seeds and compost are made like balls and thrown into the forests. Students, NGOs, voluntary organisations and people's representatives have been participating in seed ball making and throwing.

Chief wildlife warden Pramod Krishnan said that, so far, over five lakh seed balls were thrown into the forest areas. "We have planned the first phase from June 15 to August 15. The active participation of people from various sectors, including politicians and students, made it a success. It already crossed the five lakh mark and by August 15 over one lakh more seed-balls would be thrown," he told DH.

Seeds of indigenous varieties of trees, plants and shrubs that suit each locality are included in the project. The forest department will identify the region for throwing the balls. In the next phase the forest department plans to include seeds of rare and endangered species of plants too. The Kerala Forest Research Institute will be monitoring the germination process. Once the forest regions have adequate vegetation, the chances of wild animals venturing out of forest for food could be avoided, said Krishnan.

Considered as a cost effective eco-restoration method, the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation has launched a seed-ball movement on Saturday as part of its efforts to attain carbon neutrality through afforestation. The event that witnessed participation of around 7,000 students in seed-ball making was cited by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as an initiative worth replicating by other civil bodies.