The urban forest of size 2 Acres, housing 15,000 indigenous plants has completed a year’s completion since inception. Thuvakkam (NGO, Valasaravakkam) joined hands with AstraZeneca, the CSR partner and the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Administrative partner, in creating the forest at Perambur, behind Vyasarpadi Jeeva station. Marking the completion of a year’s growth of the forest, a celebration was hosted on Feb.25, with Dr. B.C. Archana Kalyani IFS, CF (CDM) & PD (TCPL), TBGP,Chennai, who graced the celebration as the chief guest.
Understanding the imperative need for environmental action, various stakeholders strive to take up initiatives and make it successful through synergy of collaborators.
With the increase of creation of Miyawaki forests, the scope to restore green cover has been seen as a ray of hope. Yet the persisting issues in maintenance have left the greenery initiative’s survival bleak. Fighting all odds of survival, with proper maintenance and strenuous monitoring, the forest has grown so well in a year, benefiting the environment, society and biodiversity and ecosystem alike.
Dr. B.C. Archana Kalyani IFS, reiterated in her address to the crowd, To leave a better society to our children. She also shared the benefit of planting trees, all of its advantages towards soil enrichment and biodiversity enrichment. Planting an indigenous plant sapling, Dr. Archana IFS marked her support towards the conservation and care of the environment. The celebration of the urban forest was completed with the ceremonial watermelon cutting. Children of volunteers gathered around to cut the watermelon, marking the 1st year completion of the forest.
The volunteers were also engaged in maintenance activities, where children and parents, with other volunteers, de-weeded the forest and added manure to the tree
The joyful celebration marked its conclusion with a strong reminder of an environmental protection and restoration.