Its inauguration took place on September 19, hours before torrential rains flooded the township
Despite the heavy rains, a green verge that was adopted recently by Newtown Sanskritik Sangathan, is flourishing.
The inauguration happened on September 19, hours before torrential rains flooded much of New Town. “We were worried and went over to salvage the saplings in the middle of the deluge in the following days. Luckily, they plants are all right,” said Manish Gandhi, convenor and co-ordinator of the group’s Go Green Mission.
New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has invited different groups to adopt about 40 plots in the township designated as green verges and this plot, Green Verge 7 in BD Block near Biswa Bangla Gate, is one such. Newtown Sanskritik Sangathan is a three-and-a-half year old body that has diversified from promoting culture to promoting and social work and greenery too.
“The plot is 0.6acres and would need some 500 plants so we have planted 500 saplings of fruit-bearing and high oxygen-producing trees such as Ashok, Mango, Guava and Papaya. While the space cannot accommodate any more tall trees, we shall beautify the borders with shrubs and small plants. We have already planted 300 of these and shall plant another 300 by the end of October. Eleven metallic garden benches are being installed too.”
“We are very happy with the work of the Sangathan as we mean to involve all sections of society in New Town’s greenery projects. The township has earned a platinum rating from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) but that lasts only for five years. We have to keep bettering ourselves with time,” said Debashis Sen, chairman of NKDA, before planting the first sapling of the day — a Chiku.
The event drew many eminent guests. Environmental scientist Swati Nandi Chakraborty enumerated the various kinds of plants up for plantation. “It’s not just avenue trees on roads. There can be medicinal or decorative plants too. In today’s fast-paced lives, people find relief from stress in seeing and being with plants,” she said.
Oncologist Shilpa Bhartia said cancer did not discriminate between people living in huts and bungalows. “What matters is that you live in a healthy environment. So green propaganda is important for the body, mind and soul,” said Bhartia, whose family runs the Parkview Super Speciality Hospital in Salt Lake’s HB Block.
Lalit Beriwala, director of Shyam Steel, asked parents to help their children connect with nature. “When I was invited for this event, the organisers weren’t sure if I would come as I live in Salt Lake and this was in New Town. But the environment isn’t about Salt Lake or New Town, Bengali or Marwari. It affects us all.”
Actor Saheb Bhattacharya dropped by to encourage the members.
“We wanted to flag off this event with guests from various fields as we need the support of everyone — from a beggar to a business tycoon — when it comes to saving the planet, “ said Gandhi.
