Hariyali – A symbiotic change

Going green is the buzzword worldwide, fashionable too. But when it comes to translating idealism into action in real situation, most of us are clueless. However, when Mr. Punam Singavi retired from his  Chartered Accountancy practice and all other commercial activities to start off with an individual project- Hariyali- in 1996 in Thane, he had a clue.

Hariyali is an ideal example of idealism translated into a real practice. Hariyali follows the simple, yet effective plan of its founder - to Think Globally, Plan Nationally and Act Locally.

The pure initiative, passion and thorough research of Mr. Singavi are what have garnered the support of socially conscious citizens of Thane. The volunteer based organisation works on the belief of its founder, which is, to find solutions to environmental issues through a local plan. Activities initiated by Hariyali are in respect to three main aspects- afforestation, water conservation and a generation of environmental consciousness.

The work plan so far has been simple, and based solely on the power that comes with motivation. Hariyali is dependent on only one factor, its volunteers’ commitment. The rest falls in place. Word of mouth and print reports soon developed an identity for Hariyali.

The process begins with the collection of seeds. The organisation has no employees, it is driven by volunteer action. Seeds are never bought, instead treks are conducted in forested areas and seeds are collected from the way side. Fruit seeds are donated from homes, while flowering seeds are collected from parks and gardens by volunteers. The seeds are sorted and saplings prepared at Vadavali Nursery. Volunteers and benefactors are kept informed through updates on the website.

The method is simple and very clear. Everyone works to do their part and make a change.

There is no dependency on external sources, like foreign funding or aides. This is what makes the success of the organisation so commendable. The Thane Municipal Corporation provides an infrastructure and Hariyali allocates its workforce. The only criteria for volunteers, is their will to support the cause. One can be a donor only if they have already participated in a Hariyali project. This further emphasizes on the need to instill an attitude of self-sufficiency. Hariyali does not have any partner branches, and they do not encourage it either. However they do share the information required to plan conservation programmes, and promote the cause in other areas through local initiatives.

Since its inception Hariyali has undertaken extensive tree plantation across the Konkanipada- Manpada regions besides soil conservation by developing lakes and constructing bunds, apart from its innumerous awareness programmes and student initiatives.

A unique initiative of Hariyali is the distribution of seeds for free to Warkaris (devotees on pilgrimages to Shirdi). The pilgrims who are travelling on foot and others who are trekking on the route are encouraged to plant trees as they travel. The success of this project has set off a plan to distribute seeds to plant trees over a length of about 350 km. of National Highway No. 3 (Mumbai-Agra Road) starting from Thane to Dhule during the period from Friday, 25^th June to Sunday 27^th June 2010. It intends to involve many environmental and social service organisations, senior citizens, mahila mandals (women groups), students from schools and colleges and other nature conservationists from towns and villages situated all across the route.

Another important event on the calendar at Hariyali is the Maha Beeja Ropan Abhiyan 2010. The aim is to sow seeds through people participation along the National Highway No.3, across the stretch from Thane to Dhule. Starting on June 25 between 8.00-11.00am, trees will be planted from Dhule to Malegaon, on the following day from Chandwad to Igatpuri and finally from Kasara to Thane.

Hariyali continues to initiate change, change which is quantified and needed. Hariyali is an inspiration to all who believe in a cause, that good reason is reason enough.

: : by Joanita Britto : :

For further details visit: http://www.hariyalithane.com