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Plant a tree to cherish a memory. That's the idea behind Smritivan that seeks to develop a unique bond between man and the environment
Shila and Shirish Kamble planted a sapling in Smritivan on the occasion of their son's first birthday. Says Shirish: "As my son turns a year old I have taken out various insurance policies to secure his future. This plant will go a long way in ensuring a safe environment and oxygen that my son will require as he grows older." Each plant in Smritivan bears the donor's name and the occasion for which it was planted. The unique concept of a forest of memories was introduced by Nisargasevak, a Pune-based non-governmental organisation that seeks people's participation in the conservation process. Their motto: "Plant a tree towards a memory you wish to cherish and help us grow it," has touched a chord with people from all walks of life. Citizens from all over Maharashtra and abroad have expressed their interest by donating saplings not only in fond memory of departed loved ones but also to mark their accomplishments in life. P L Deshpande, the noted literary figure, planted a mango sapling in memory of Vasant Rao Deshpande, while Malti Ketkar paid tribute to Kargil's martyrs by planting a sapling in memory of all war heroes. Smritivan was set up in 1987 on the barren hill slopes adjoining the Cummins factory in Pune. It supports 1,520 trees in almost 135 varieties. Volunteers from Nisargasevak encourage people to plant different varieties of trees like chandan, kanchan, apta, bahava and neem to maintain biodiversity. "The idea is to have as many varieties of trees as possible. Conservation of biodiversity has been kept in mind while developing Smritivan," says Medha Joshi, secretary of Nisargasevak. People who wish to plant a sapling at Smritivan are required to pay a moderate sum, which goes towards maintaining the plant as it grows. Most donors visit the garden during weekends; those who cannot aren't worried as volunteers from the organisation and the neighbourhood water and tend the plants on a regular basis. Acknowledging Smritivan's popularity, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has roped in Nisargasevak to spread 'the fragrance of memory' over a five-acre plot that was, earlier, the Kothrud garbage depot. The new endeavour is called Smritiudyan. "In Smritivan the rocky quality of the hill was such that it was a lot of effort to grow plants. We do not face this problem at Smritiudyan. Besides, until three years ago this area was the garbage depot so the soil here is now rich with compost and the saplings have taken root easily," says Joshi. Nisargasevak, which includes nature lovers from all walks of life, was set up in 1987. Over the years it has won several accolades for its work in environment conservation, including the Vanshree Award in 1991 conferred on it by the Maharashtra government. In 1995, Pune Vyaspeeth awarded Nisargasevak the Vriksharatna Award. Nisargasevak also conducts activities to spread awareness about the environment to municipal school children. It does this through slide shows, story-telling, songs, slogans, oath-taking, etc. An environment award -- Paryavaran Puraskar -- has been instituted for schools working towards protecting the environment. Environment camps for children involve environment education packages and seed-collection activities. The seeds are distributed among the children to plant in their neighbourhood. -- Durga Chandran Contact: Ashvini Pandit
67, Chaitra
Sahawas Society
Pune 411 052
Tel: 25433731 (InfoChange News & Features, May 2004)
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