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Rakhi to trees

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Bangalore: A tree-planting drive was organised on Raksha Bandhan Day this year by Green Circle, Bangalore. 100 native saplings were planted to mark the occasion. Besides, a Puja was held as the venue chosen was a temple, and some religious trees were planted. One of our youngest volunteers, Ponmalar planted a sapling and tied a Rakhi to it. She also tied another Rakhi to a grown-up tree to mark the Raksha Bandhan. ‘For me, this tree is like my brother, and today I tied the Rakhi symbolically because trees protect us and give us oxygen, besides many other benefits.

It is trees that protect us. Ramachandra, a resident, added, ‘All Hindu festivals have their links to nature in one way or another. It is time for us to celebrate all festivals close to nature.  Roopa Sri of Jeevan Mukthi supplied all native trees, namely Kadamba, Amla, Neem, Teak, Soap nut, Avocado, Pongamia, Silk cotton, Peepal, Champak, Mahogany, Palm, Banyan, Arjuna, Jackfruit, Clove, and Oleander trees. She added, ‘Green Circle volunteers have given enough space between saplings to ensure their dense growth. More interestingly they have ensured water supply and tree guards for protection. I will visit this place periodically to give suggestions and participate in nurturing the trees’. Vasanth Kumar, Kumar Kalyandurg, Sandip, Ramachandra, Vidya, Veerapathrappa, Karthikeyan, Ponmalar, Dewan Gowda, Biju, and Muniappa were among the volunteers who participated in the program. Selvarajan, Chairman of Green Circle, thanked Jeevan Mukthi team, the RWAs of MSR NE County, BEL Layout, Panchayat Council Members of Singanayakkanahalli Panchayat, other volunteers from Rotary club Paramaguru, and Dinesh. Members dropped compost also to ensure faster growth, besides support sticks

Garbage coexists!

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Residents have lost hope! Their efforts to convince the authorities had evoked no response.“Our only mistake is buying homes in an overlooked area,” says Ramchandra, a member of the Resident Welfare Association of MS Ramaiah North East County in Yelahanka, Bangalore.

He adds that we will not blame the authorities alone, but residents will also be held accountable. Vidya, a resident, adds, “The trash has been there for more than 100 days. The layout is coming under Avalahalli village, which is a part of the Singanayakkanahalli Panchayat. Originally developed by the Bangalore Development Authority, the layout lacks streetlights, sewage systems, roads, or garbage collection facilities. The authorities shift the blame onto one another, but are not ready to help”. Green Circle members inspected the site and requested the local Panchayat members to clear the trash. Kumar Kalyandurg, the Secretary of Green Circle, stated that they have informed Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about the issue. They provided details of the location and photos.

The taxpayers are fuming because they have not received any attention from any authorities.  Many authorities like KPCB, KWSSB, BBMP, BDA, and PDO inspect the area when petitioned. They simply write to each other to close the file. After that, nothing tangible happens!’ observes another resident. The shortage of amenities has contributed to a noticeable number of vacant plots in this area. Many investors are cautiously optimistic, having made significant investments in the plots. No wonder Bangalore is rated as the fifth dirtiest city in India!

HARELA FESTIVAL MARKS PROSPERITY

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Green Circle Nainital chapter organized a tree plantation drive in the forest area next to the Pine Oak Paradise apartments. They also participated in a Plogging event to remove plastic from the neighborhood.. The newly planted trees include majestic oaks and fragrant deodars. They are strategically chosen. The goal is to curb the invasive spread of pine trees in the area. Additionally, we conducted a thorough review of last year’s plantation efforts during Harela. We are pleased to report that the growth has been thriving. It is satisfactory and makes a positive contribution to the landscape. Sudhir, the newly elected Chapter Convener, said that Harela marks the revamping of environmental activities. They plan to hold some activities in the nearby schools. Manmohan, Secretary and Aftab Ahmed, Treasurer, hailed the decision to gear up the activities. Many members of Pine Oak Paradise attended the tree planting drive to mark Harela.

Saving Basai wetlands

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Green Circle, Dwarka Chapter, organized a walk at Basai Wetlands to highlight the urgent need for conservation. This wetland is home to thousands of migratory birds. 20 members from Green Circle Dwarka visited Basai Wetlands. It is located adjacent to the Dwarka Expressway. They assessed the current condition of the site. Basai Wetlands is a globally recognized birding hotspot. It has been considered one of India’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) by Birdlife International for a long time. It supports around 20,000 migratory and domestic birds belonging to 295 species, according to the website ‘eBird International.’

The walk was led by Selvarajan, Chairman of Green Circle. Participants raised slogans and held placards to draw attention to the poor status of the wetlands. Romilla Gandhi, who organized the walk, emphasized the need for immediate action as the marshland is almost dried out. She urged members to help rejuvenate the waterbody and highlighted that the wetlands are only 10 minutes away from Dwarka. Green Circle intends to advocate for the wetlands’ protection with the Haryana government. Gaurav is an activist in the Basai Wetlands conservation movement from Gurugram. He noted that hundreds of bar-headed geese, wagtails, sandpipers, and godwits used to visit the wetlands during winter. These birds are now rarely seen. He pointed out that untreated and polluted sewage water now reaches this unique wetland, which once had clean water. Muralidhar, another member of Green Circle, recalled that 25 years ago, Basai was frequented by massive flocks of bar-headed geese. These birds migrated from Mongolia and China. The journey involved crossing the Himalayas in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius during winter. Nowadays, these birds are seldom spotted.

Selvarajan stated that wetlands are crucial for the ecosystem, not only for protecting birdlife but also for recharging groundwater. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness among locals about the wetlands’ significance. Gaurav added that the ‘Save Basai Conservation Movement’ will form a core committee. This committee will highlight the wetlands’ vulnerability. It will engage with the Haryana government for their preservation. It was decided to send a petition to the Haryana government to advocate for the protection of wetlands. After the walk, Green Circle members visited Sultanpur National Park. They observed the successful conservation of the park as a birding hotspot.

Dr Selvarajan’s book release

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Book Title: ‘Our Environment, Our Concern’

In 2021, Robin Sharma, the Editor of Dwarka Express, Delhi called me (Dr V Selvarajan) and expressed his anguish about my relocating to Bangalore from Dwarka. However, he continued to interact with him to save the twenty Nilgai, which had been dislocated due to the destruction of the 200-acre natural forest in Bharat Vandana Park in the heart of Dwarka. In the last 3 years, the place has been under the artificial construction of an amusement park. While both lamented that they could not save Bharat Vandana, at least they were taking steps to relocate the Nilgai. As the discussion continued, Robin Sharma requested that I write to Dwarka Express regularly. I suggested an exclusive page called South Express which will carry articles and news items from South India. Once decided, there was no looking back. This page was added as the ninth page of Dwarka Express. While Robin Sharma was happy to spread out to South India, I treated this as an opportunity to write about the environment. Slowly, many authors started contributing useful articles on nature and the environment. When 100 editorials were over, I contemplated a book named OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR CONCERN. Coincidentally, the title was the mantra of the Dwarka NGO called Green Circle, founded by me. Dwarka Express, in which South Express is a page dedicated to South India released the Book on 7.12.2024 in a glittering function at CCRT Auditorium Sector 7, Dwarka, New Delhi. About 200 Dwarkites attended the function. The function was organized by Green Circle Dwarka Chapter in association with Dwarka Express and Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Min of Culture, Govt of India. I owe this opportunity to Robin Sharma as South Express has crossed its 118th week. South Express will achieve many more laurels in the years to come. The book published by Alize Publishing is priced at Rs 299 and I will contribute all Royalties earned for the cause of Green Circle, founded by me in 2001. I sincerely remain grateful to all my readers, well-wishers, and friends of nature for their relentless support. This book will be available on the Amazon website from 7.12.24. Again, my sincere thanks to Robin Sharma for this honorary assignment.

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Nature camp @ Peoples trust

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Bangalore: 75 Children from Mallya Aditi International School learned a lot of craft-making skills. Children from Sai Shankar Vidyashala also acquired skills to save nature. They participated in the nature camps organized on 26-27 Nov 2024 at People’s Trust campus. Green Circle helped the children to learn the art. A nature walk to study the flora and fauna and a tree-planting drive were also organized during the camp. A visit to the STP at Rajanukunte was also organized to sensitize the students about passive waste management. Dr Selvarajan, Green Circle trained the students to make eco-friendly models. Students also planted saplings under the guidance of Vasanth Shetty, Director Green Circle. Harish Uthaiah welcomed the gathering and guided the students when they had a nature trail in Peoples Trust Premises

Environment Day plantation

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

PET bottles are not treated as Single Use Plastic (SUP)!

Green Circle Bangalore conducted a workshop for students of Sai Shankar Vidyadhara, Rajanugunte Bangalore on environment day. More than 100 students attended the workshop. A presentation was made by V Selvarajan, Chairman of Green Circle on ‘Managing Single Use Plastic’. He has highlighted the important aspects of SUP and its ill effects; and stated that 21 items have been identified by Central Pollution Control Board which have been banned in India from July 2022. He informed the members that not only usage but manufacture and import also are banned. However, he expressed the concern that SUP items are being used even after 2 years despite the ban. He said that it is not good to exclude the PET bottles which are being widely used to store drinking water. He advised the students to reduce the use of plastic and think of reusable ever silver vessels. He requested the students to carry cloth bag and refuse polythene bags when they visit vegetable shops and the like. Though only 10~20 percent of the plastic may be of single use, such items create havoc in blocking our waterbodies. Green Circle team consisting of Kumar Kalyandurg and Vasanthakumar made the arrangements. Earlier Harish Udhiah, Managing Trustee of the People’s Trust welcomed the gathering and lauded the efforts of Green Circle. Ram Prasad Dham, a senior trustee advised the students to take a pledge to protect environment.

Plogging at the Sriramanahalli village

100 students of Sai Shankar Vidyashala school participated in a plogging drive organized by Green Circle and People’s Trust. The students were given gloves and collection bags. About 50 kgs of plastic waste was collected and handed over to Rajanagunte Panchayat van. Earlier students had formed several groups and searched for plastic waste in nearby green area. Green Circle members Vasanthakumar, Kumar kalyandurg, Selvarajan and Ashok joined the drive and collected plastic trash. The students were accompanied by teachers who also participated in collecting the trash.

‘Let us nurture the nature and have a nurturing nature’

The above slogan by a student Charu Dhuruthi was the best part during Green Circle Drawing competition. The drawing competition was part of the environment day celebration which was participated by 150 children together from Junior and senior children. Green Circle arrange drawing sheets and crayons for the junior children. One hour time was given. Senior children were given the topics like Save nature for future, conserve water, Go green, go clean. The juniors were given topics like trees, nature or animals. A 5-year-old first standard student drew a tiger in an awesome manner. For curiosity, the jury gave the sheet to a teacher and asked her to identify the animal in the picture. The fact that the teacher was able to call it a tiger proved the drawing skill of the child. ‘The drawings were beyond our expectation; the children are highly talented’ said Vasanthakumar of Green Circle.

Kumar kalyandurg wondered whether most of the children deserve a prize. Three children from both the category were shortlisted while some 10 children were also given consolation prizes. Selvarajan said that the prizes will be distributed on a subsequent day. Winners of Drawing competition under juniors category, the winners are Sai Shashanth,1st, Kushi 2nd and Praveen & Ganavi, 3rd while Under Seniors category First prize goes to Charu Dhuruthi K S, Second to Tamilarasi, Third to   Harshita V. Consolation prizes were also given.

Eco Sensitisation Workshop

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

At BMS IT &M, an autonomous Institute of Technology and Management in Yelahanka, Bangalore, it is mandatory for students to plant a tree as part of the curriculum. With heavy burden of the academic syllabus, students found it difficult to spare time for the social activities. The professors also find it difficult to motivate the students to spare time for the environmental activities. Prof Jagadeesh of Mechanical Engineering found a solution when he was returning home after a hectic day of lectures. He came across the Green Circle plantation site and contacted the team. After understanding the situation, Green Circle offered a solution to conduct a eco sensitization workshop for students. The workshop was held on 9.1.2024. About 200 students and NSS volunteers participated in the workshop. Making a presentation, V.Selvarajan, Chairman, Green Circle highlighted the need to strike a balance between studies and social work. Discussing the simple ways of doing environmental activities, he requested the students to spare minimum hours in a month to involve in planting and nurturing trees. Other activities like plogging drives, nature walks, camping, birding and trekking activities were also explained. Earlier Prof Jagadeesh welcomed the gathering and emphasized the need for sparing sometime for environmental protection. Green Circle members, Vasantha Kumar, Rashmi Kulkarni and Kumar Kalyandurg also attended the workshop and interacted with students. Vote of thanks was proposed by Prof Tejaswini. Professors Praveen Kumar, Rajesh Gopinath and Praveen Kumar also participated in the workshop and guided the students.

Avalahalli lake issues highlighted

Dr V Selvarajan Leave a comment

Green Circle appeals for better Security arrangements at the lake!

A delegation visited the office of the PDO Singanayakkanhalli on 16.12.23 to discuss with the officials about the status of the Avalahalli lake, Yelahanka Bangalore. The following were discussed

Damage to fence on the roadside: During the heavy downpour on 6th Nov 2023, the pillars supporting the fence on the road side have fallen (for about 250 feet) and the fence is damaged exposing the lake area open to cattle for more than 45 days. In this regard, our complaints raised in Sahaya App and Janaspandana App remain pending. No action has been initiated. This is in addition to the unfinished fence on the southern side, adjacent to MSR North East County. Your goodselves will agree that half-finished/ damaged fence is as good as ‘No fence’

Dumping in buffer area: Construction waste/soil is being dumped along side the walking track, which is now very huge and is posing an eye sore for the walkers. This needs to be investigated and corrective measures taken

Plastic Trash near benches: Near the benches alongside the walking track, liquor bottles and plastic trash are lying which needs cleaning. This is because there is no control or check on liquor users who invade the park stealthily during night times

Unauthorised fishing: This was brought to your knowledge earlier also. For many people, involved in unauthorised fishing, it is just a fun activity. But this is a biodegradation as the quality of ecosystem depends on the existing food chain which attracts even the migratory birds. The eBird checklist of birds spotted in the lake last month is enclosed for your perusal. Fishing activity needs to be stopped immediately

Scooters in walking track:  We are finding a number of scooters parked on the walking track. The gate is open on the northern side during evening times. Many scooterists enter into the park area. We need wicket gates or barriers to prevent scooters to enter the lake during this time.

Insufficient security: While we thank the BBMP and Panchayat officials for stationing on security staff during day time from 9 AM to 4 PM, to curb trespassing, it is not good that the lake remains accessible during evening and early mornings. In all other lakes, the gates remain closed during late hours. Keeping gates open encourages unauthorised users who enter for using the park for illegal activities like fishing, liquor consumption and other prohibited illegal activities.