Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

About Secretariat's shrubs

`Secretariat Campusile Vrikshangal' is on the shrubs in the Secretariat compound

VERDANT GREEN A view of a tree in the Secretariat compound

What makes a building a landmark? Activities inside the four walls are determining factors. And the Secretariat scores on this count.

But this edifice is also known for its impressive architecture,which is over a century old. It has a beautifully landscaped garden and topiary.

The Secretariat has 119 shrubs, says a booklet `Secretariat Campusile Vrikshangal' (Trees on the Secretariat premises) brought out by Greens (Group Endeavour for Environment and Nature Sustenance), an organisation of its staff.

The booklet is more than just a document on the various trees at the premises. The English and scientific names of each shrub is given along with a brief description explaining its features, how to plant them, legends associated with it and so on.

Among the various fruit trees listed are the Njaval (Indian cherry) and mango trees.

Providing shade

The Ashoka tree provides shade to many a wearied soul, who travel to the capital to get their work done. `Pathimukham,' which can be used to purify water, was planted by the staff themselves.

Indian laburnum, mahogany, various palms and many more varieties of shrubs find a spot in the booklet, which has around 30 pages.

"It all started when we decided to label the trees on campus. Then, the members suggested bringing out a booklet, says P.R. Sreekumar, secretary, Greens. "They pooled in the money to get it printed," he says.

"We may bring out a second edition, complete with colour pictures of the trees," says a member of the group."

P>

RAJEEV G.R

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail