City duo undertake community greening task- a weekend feature

At a time when the threat of global warming looms heavily over the city, there are a few residents who have done their bit to conserve nature and maintain the green zone in the city. Meet Maruti Nana Kadam and Sripad Ganpatrao Patki, two residents of Sanpada who have with their will and determination made their vicinity a clean and green zone.

Four years ago when Maruti Naya Kadam planted a few saplings outside his home in Sanpada, his neighbours were skeptical about his intention. Water was in short supply during those days and he used to fill bottles of water to ensure that the plants were well fed. Now, four years later Kadam and the organisation he founded Hariyali Lok Kalyan Seva Samiti have transformed the 50 ft wide and one-and-a-half kilometer long stretch of barren land outside their housing society into the greenest patch not just in Sanpada but in Navi Mumbai with over 6,000 trees. While the tall trees give the area a nice green cover, below their cool shade, you would find patches of medicinal plants. To the visitor, they look like any other foliage, but Kadam will tell you the numerous benefits they have and how people have battled ailments using the right plant. These plants are given free of charge to patients provided the cause is genuine and they know how to use it. And yes, if you want a sapling for your home, Kadam will only be too happy to provide you with one.

Kadam along with his friends stated that everyone should make their surroundings clean and green. Shripad Ganpatrao Patki, an ardent nature lover is not only inspiration for people of his age, but also for youths. The retired assistant general manager from BSNL spends three to fours hours daily watering and nurturing the trees, which he planted in the past five years near his residence after he shifted to Sanpada from Santacruz. The resident of Bhumiraj Abode has developed green belt adjacent to his building by planting as many as 250 trees. Even during summer, Patki ensured that his plants did not dry and die. Patki uses the storm water from nearby drainage to water the trees and uses vermiculture as fertiliser. Patki says he wants to grow as many trees as possible to give it as a gift to the next generation. Today, both the stretch are a fine example of how something barren and bare can be turned into something healthy.