Tree Plantation
Tree Plantation Drive
Kamal Model
This model has been evolved by Shri Kamal Kumar Pahade [Renowned industrialist & Hon VP of “WE”…We for Environment] and is projected as “Kamal Model “of Tree Plantation.
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The Kamal Model has been proven to be successful in promoting tree growth and sustainability with minimal water requirements.
The Kamal Model of Tree Plantation involves the following steps:
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Dig a pit of 1.5ft X 1.5ft X 1.5ft (depth can be 1ft for small trees).
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Place a bottom layer of 12-15 coconut husks in the pit. Coconut husk retains water and reduces the need for frequent watering.
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Place the tree at the center of the pit and provide a standing bamboo stick for support.
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Add a thin layer of compost or manure.
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Use two waste plastic water bottles (1 or 2 litres) for direct drip watering to the roots. Cut the bottom of the bottles and remove the cap. Invert the bottles and place them diagonally opposite in an east-west direction. This method can save up to 60% of water compared to direct surface watering.
Colony Plantation
The NGO encourages colony level plantation by creation of colony level environment groups. These groups are encouraged to meet and discuss among themselves about the proper spaces and the maintenance plan for the planted trees in their colonies. “WE” then helps them by providing saplings and with their active participation, the trees plantation is carried out. The local residents then maintain the trees for a year with active support and expert guidance till the trees are self-independent. Many such colony models ie Parijat Nagar , Ayodhya Nagar etc have shown remarkable success.
Divider Plantation
​In 2018, “WE” pioneered divider plantation in Aurangabad city by planting around 2500 trees on various dividers. The plantation of Indian native trees like Peepal, Neem, Shishum, and Karanj on dividers has many environmental benefits. Such trees act as oxygen generation hubs in the otherwise polluted roads filled with hazardous pollutants like Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, photochemical smog, and suspended particles. The trees cover both sides of roads, reducing the warming effect on roads and preventing global warming. Dividers are ideal places for such plantations as it does not block commercial visibility for businesses. “WE” faced resistance from the authorities citing problems with concrete roads, but they provided strong evidence that Indian native trees have a Tap root system that grows deep into the ground in search of water and does not spread laterally. The roots system expands only towards the source of water and nutrition and there are no chances of roots moving towards the concrete roads, which are already heated by the sunshine. Divider plantation in cities like Pune and Bangalore further supports this evidence.
Government Premises Plantations
We have proudly partnered with multiple government organizations, including SRPF, Forest Department District Collectorate, Divisional Commissioner's Office, Government Engineering College, Government ITI, Pharmacy College, Divisional Sports Complex, Chhatrapati Krida Sankul, and ZP school campuses. Our mission has been to create greener premises and locations, promoting ecological balance and well-being. Through landscaping projects, afforestation drives, and green infrastructure solutions, we've made a positive impact on the surrounding communities, fostering environmental consciousness and pride. Committed to a greener and sustainable future, we continue to forge new alliances to create vibrant green spaces for a better tomorrow.
Terrace Gardens
We promotes terrace garden initiative and conduct workshops and visits to encourage people to create their own gardens on rooftops and terraces. The workshop provides training on various aspects of gardening, including selecting the right plants, soil preparation, composting, and pest management. Participants also learn about the benefits of rooftop gardening, such as reducing carbon footprint, promoting biodiversity, and improving air quality. To support the initiative, we provide technical expertise, seeds, routine visits and other necessary resources to participants. By empowering individuals and communities to create their own green spaces, we hope to promote a healthier and more sustainable way of living.
Tree Translocation
Our NGO has partnered with Government bodies, NHAI, and private premises for a successful tree translocation initiative. The initiative aims to preserve trees that would otherwise be cut down due to construction projects or other reasons. Our team of experts uses specialized techniques and locally available equipment to carefully uproot the trees and transport them to a new location, where they are replanted and nurtured to ensure their survival. This initiative not only helps to preserve the green cover but also promotes biodiversity and improves air quality. Through this partnership, we have successfully supported translocated hundreds of trees, including rare and endangered species. We believe that this initiative sets an example for others to follow and encourages a more environmentally conscious approach to development.
Tree Sustenance Models
Ownership Drives: “We” members organize Ownership drives twice a day on Sundays and holidays to hand over ownership of trees planted on dividers to nearby establishments. Members gather in groups of 20-30, wear T-shirts and placards for identification, and urge people to sustain and take ownership of the trees. If needed, “We” volunteers provide active support to care for the trees for 6-8 months. Watering requirements are minimal (two liters per tree every 10 days).
This way, “WE’ is able to focus on larger issues of spread of greenery and spreads a positive green message in the society with enhanced public participation. We also save money on maintenance (tankers etc) as people take the ownership voluntarily. Most importantly more people would get associated with us and would help us to carry our message more prominently. We also come to know about the locations, where no ownership has been created and we have to take care of the trees at our own strength.
Such drives have yielded positive results and people were/are maintaining trees at some locations, when we did such an activity in summer. But after the coming of monsoon, people have become relaxed and are required to be re-charged. Core Group discusses and decides further course of action from time to time.
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o Tree Parenthood: We prioritize one-year ownership of planted trees, involving owners in planting and motivating maintenance. For trees without owners, we have a one-year survival plan. Local groups receive support for sustainability and members advance to the core group based on commitment.
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o Ownership Models: Residents, volunteers, shopkeepers, and hotel owners staying near the trees planted are encouraged to take ownership and maintain them.
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o Composting: Members can be encouraged for home composting (for those who have space) using drum model, so that this compost can be used for the trees planted at the group.
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o Watering Strategies: Flood watering is ineffective and replaced by drip irrigation that saves up to 60% of water. WE developed a cost-effective system using inverted waste water bottles fixed near the tree to provide water directly to the roots. Adequate mulching support is provided to conserve water.
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o Effective Tree Selection: Select effective varieties of trees depending on location and ownership. Plant drought-resistant indigenous varieties on dividers and both sides of roads, and Indian varieties like Jamun, Mango, and Tamarind in close corridors like stadiums and colonies.
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o Drip Irrigation: Use drip irrigation as the best and cheapest model wherever human labor is not possible and water availability is possible. Lay the drip underground to avoid damage from squirrels, rodents, and human activity.
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o Donate A Tanker Model: Outsource watering of trees to tanker owners at certain locations under supervision, with a “Donate A Tanker” concept where members donate the expense of at least one tanker for watering trees. Seek donations from donors and large groups to contribute at least one monthly expense of tankers to sustain trees until the next monsoon.
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A 5000-liter tanker is sufficient for a distance of 1.5 to 2 Kms and costs 450-500 approximately. Our sustenance members accompany the tanker are get the trees watered. Trees require water for two times a month till March. We work out the tentative number of tankers required per month at all the locations.
Out of the extended WE group, we seek donors ask them to contribute at least one tanker for sustenance of trees. Large groups (Giants, Lions, Doctors, Guru, CMIA etc) contribute for at least 1 monthly expense of tankers. They even send tankers directly with payment to the vendor. This way, we are able to carry on tree sustenance till the next monsoon.
Seed Banks
The members of the group have created seed banks wherein the members of the group visit the forest areas in the summer vacations and collected indigenous varieties of seeds. These seeds are then used by the group in the member nurseries for germination in to new saplings. Also the seeds are donated by the group to the schools under the school nursery yojana and the school going children for seed bombing and allied activities.