Don’t cry over tree-felling, just plant one instead

Don’t cry over tree-felling, just plant one instead

Terrina Jairaj
— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Janet Yegneswaran
BANGALORE: It all began with Janet Yegneswaran’s friends constantly complaining about the increasing number of trees the garden city was losing every year. Ms. Janet decided to go one step ahead and do something about the issue.

“I started asking my neighbours if they wanted a tree planted in their compounds. A few agreed as I said I wouldtake care of the planting. Many others preferred car parking space over a tree,” says the 57-year-old widow, who lives in Ejipura.

“But,” she adds, “the situation has definitely improved. We began with 75 trees in Koramangala and today my organisation — Trees for Free — has planted over 11,550 tree saplings in the past four years.”

Ms. Yegneswaran founded Trees for Free in 2005 as an endeavour to spread awareness about trees, its planting and maintenance.

Trees for Free has over 100 volunteers, who have a passion for the environment, she says. Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has given Trees for Free the permission to plant trees anywhere in the city.

It has also been providing tree guards. “Since December 2007, we have had many joint projects with the BBMP,” she says. “On Koramangala 80 Ft. Road, we planted the saplings while BBMP sponsored the water for the same.”

Every year, during the monsoon, Ms. Yegneswaran buys saplings from the Forest Department, though the planting is done throughout the year. “As and when people call requesting for trees, I first inspect the space to check if the tree can survive there. Then we help the people who agree to take care of the tree to decide which tree would suit the area the best,” she says.

It will cost just Rs. 100 to sponsor a tree for a month, she adds.

She can be contacted on 98454 49703; or visit www.treesforfree.org.