KOCHI: The Gulmohar trees on Container Road will soon have company. As instances of road rage rise, often due to increased anger issues and low frustration tolerance of riders, studies show that roadside flora, including trees and flowering plants, can have a positive effect on drivers, reducing stress and frustration.
With this in mind, The Happiness Circle, a non-profit organisation, will soon decorate the Container Road stretch, once notorious for accidents, with the Golden Shower tree (cassia fistula), locally known as kanikonna, Kerala’s state flower.
The organisation, in tie up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will initiate the efforts to beautify the 17-km-long Container Terminal Road (NH 966A) on World Environment Day-June 5.
“The stretch already sports Gulmohar, also known as the Mayflower tree. Now, we will plant Golden Shower trees along the stretch, for which we have tied up with the NGO Happiness Circle, besides local panchayats. The greening initiative will start on June 5, on the occasion of World Environment Day,” said P Pradeep, NHAI project director, Kochi.
The initiative, titled ‘Ananda Karnikaram’, symbolises hope, beauty and sustainability, paving the way for a brighter, greener future for our city and its residents, said E V Dileep Kumar, secretary, The Happiness Circle.
“Initially, we will plant 200 saplings, procured from Agricultural Research station, Mannuthy, along the stretch. It costs us `30 to procure one plant, which includes transportation cost,” Dileep said.
This apart, the NGO is also rolling out the ‘Smriti Karnikaram’ to boost greenery along the stretch, while also letting people honour their loved ones who are no longer with them.
“Anyone willing to donate at least five Golden Shower saplings can plant them in memory of their dear departed. The trees will serve as enduring memorials, symbolising life, growth and legacy. The names of the departed souls and respective addresses will be displayed beside the saplings,” he said.
Office-bearers of The Happiness Circle promise it won’t be just another instance of planting saplings on World Environment Day and doing nothing for their survival.
“We’ve been engaging in making sapling protectors and sticks to protect the plants. Our members will maintain and grow the saplings regularly. In the ‘Smriti Karnikaram’ section, the owners will protect the saplings,” Dileep said.
The initiative will be kicked off at 9am on June 5 at Ponnarimangalam toll plaza on Container Road in the presence of Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, international para-armwrestler Joby Mathew and others. The section from Kumbalam to Chalikkavattom along the NH 66 bypass and the Athani-airport section road too sport flowering plants on the medians.