Kerala   

On a green mission

ROLE MODEL: Balakrishnan of Kallur repairing a damaged road.

Each morning, Balakrishnan of Kallur sets out from his house on his bike with a sapling and plants it by the roadside wherever he finds vacant space.

The 50-year-old coconut trader is engaged in an ambitious project of planting one-lakh saplings by the roadside and in public places.

Balakrishnan began planting trees five years ago and has planted 10,000 saplings in various parts of Kallur, Mannarkkad, Kottopadam, Mannur, Kalladicode, Kuzhalmannam, Kotai, Keralassery and Mankurissi so far.

His slogan is `Plant trees to protect the environment.' The `one-man army' attracts quite a few people, especially students. The students join him whenever he plants trees on school compounds.

Balakrishnan has planted trees on hospital and temple compounds also.

He selects saplings according to the soil conditions and the area. The trees are planted mainly during the monsoon. He spends money from his pocket to buy the saplings and nurture them initially. He has a nursery in his house and in his coconut grove.

Balakrishnan says he used to care for trees in his coconut grove and rubber plantation when young. The grove and the plantation continue to be his main source of income.

Balakrishnan is supported by his family members in the effort to protect the environment `for future generations.'

Balakrishnan also repairs damaged roads, at times single-handedly. He recently repaired the Pathiripala-Kongad road and the Kallurvazhi-Keralassery road.

He believes that people should take the initiative to protect the roads and the environment rather than wait for the Government. People should also do voluntary service, he says.

Balakrishnan has been honoured by many voluntary organisations and a couple of panchayats for his work in environment protection and other social work.

The Kongad panchayat recently honoured him with an award during the golden jubilee celebrations of the State formation.

G. PRABHAKARAN

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