Mr. Hema Gupte
Member of Hariyali - An Action Oriented Organization

Tell us something about what is Hariyali all about?
Hariyali is an NGO working in Thane city for the protection of environment by planting thousands of trees, in and around the city. This organization arranges a series of lectures on environment protection in various colleges, schools and for Thane citizens to motivate them to participate in tree plantation programmes. Hariyali also works on water conservation and aforestation projects.

How long have you been associated with Hariyali?
I am associated with Hariyali for the last 4 years, out of this since last 3 years I am the member of the managing committee and an active member of the organization.

How far has Hariyali reached in its objectives since its inception?
Hariyali has planted 35000 saplings as planned, on the barren hills on the city border, many school premises in and around Thane city. Organization has created 5 lakes artificially by building bundhs around abandon stone quarries, which can store 3,00,000 litres of water. This has helped in raising the water table level in the region. Hariyali has succeeded in motivating than 5000 students, senior citizens, Mahila Mandals to participate in tree plantation programmes and in turn nature conservation project is a great success.

Where does Thane City stand as far as environment issues are concerned?
Due to ever growing city population, which is accompanied by concrete jungle and vehicular traffic, and in addition to this improper and inefficient sanitation management by TMC, it is a mess as on today. The shortage of water, increasing volume of garbage is the main problems of the city environment. But I hope with proper planning and civic conciseness of citizen, this city can be pollution free.

What is the future plans of Hariyali ?
Hariyali has planned to plant 100000 trees; saplings etc in the monsoon of 2001 and so far 40000 saplings are prepared with help of students, citizens and Hariyali members.

- · Hariyali is preparing a manual of Flora & Fauna of Thane District Which will be available on Internet and in the form of CD to students and researchers.

· We have planned to do the bird count of various species seen in Yeoor Forest and tabulate the same in scientific manner.

· With the help of Enviro-Vision and NGO of Thane, Hariyali plans to prepares model, solid waste management projects, suitable for small or big housing complexes.

· Hariyali has prepared a design and a full-scale model for an "Emergency shelter Hut" made of Karvi Stems or any other suitable materials locally available, in the prefabricated panels. These panels can be assembled on the site of calamity such as earthquake, flood or cyclone damaged houses, as an emergency shelter for affected people. This prefabricated panel hut can be erected in one house and costs around Rs. 3500/- size of hut is 10" x8" x 6".

Tell us something about the activites, projects undertaken by Hariyali?
All above-mentioned projects are already undertaken by Hariyali and are in good progress for the past 3 years. In addition to this, beautification of lakes and a model science and Nature center along with mini plantation near Upvan lake project, which is already submitted to TMC, will be a dream of Hariyali. These are the activities of Hariyali along with spreading of awareness of nature conservation amongst the Thane citizens.

Any Message for Thanieties?
- Conserve every drop of water. In coming 5 years we may not get even 5 litres per day per citizen.

- Do not throw any garbage or even "Nirmalya" in any lake. The water body is precious for biodiversity.

- Make use of Public transport as far as possible instead of your own vehicle. This will help in reducing the air pollution to some extent.

- Make friendship with nature so that the conserving will be a useful hobby.

- Donate empty milk bags to Hariyali for preparing saplings to be planted in and around the city.

As told to Thaneweb.com