If you are concerned about the environment that you pollute, or about the species that have been affected by you directly or indirectly, or if you are looking forward to see a better tomorrow, you are just a call away. Rajanet Yegneswaran Charitable Trust has a unique solution - A tree for free to heal the earth.
Trees for Free, a city-based NGO working to retain Bangalore's sobriquet, ‘Garden City’, is trying by increase the greenery by planting saplings for almost seven years. All that the volunteer requires is a small plot of land for planting and a call to the organisation. The organisation that came into being in 2005 claims to have planted as much as 37,000 plants since its inception.
“Initially I had to go around the neighbourhood with friends, and volunteers, knocking on doors to ask them if they would look after a tree planted in front of their house. Now, with the media exposure, we get an average of 5 to 10 calls a day. We get many calls on special occasions like Environment day, birthdays etc,” said Janet S K Yegneswaran, founder, Trees for Free.
“Our volunteers plant saplings and then it's for the people to take care,” she added.
The organisation now covers a distance of 55 km from the city center. “We have been receiving calls from other districts like Tumkur and Ramanagaram,” Janet said. The forest department supplies saplings to the organisation. The organisation inspects the place before planting a tree. The project is funded by techies and private firms. “The feeling after planting a tree is something which I cannot express. It’s the same as a mother feels when she sees her children growing,” said David, a volunteer. "Whenever I get time, I go back and see them. It gives immense pleasure," he added.
“The felling of grown trees in the name of urban infrastructure development cannot stop us. If they kill one tree, we will plant ten,” said an optimistic volunteer.
Trees for Free can be contacted on 98454 49703; or visit www.treesforfree.org