Day 1.
14 August 2021 / Saturday
Inaugurating our first activity, we engaged in the meaningful endeavour of planting mangrove saplings, Coast Cottonwood Tree stumps, and Indian Almond seeds. The gathering took place at the residence of Mr Jose Vattathara promptly at 2:30 pm. Following a thorough planning session, we embarked on our mission, leaving his abode at 4:00 pm. As per our prearranged strategy, we procured the Coast Cottonwood tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus) stumps from the Vellamparambil Brothers, located behind Sarada Hospital, Nayarambalam. Armed with pruning saws, hand axes, and anvil loppers, we successfully completed the task by 6:00 pm. Impressively, we managed to cut and stack approximately 800-850 poles, each measuring about a meter in length, along the roadside.
Members of the team who came to cut the Coast Cottonwood tree stumps.
- Jose
- Sreeraj
- Pramod KV
- Pramod Panakkathara
- Dhananjayan
- ThomasM. Vazhappilly
Day 2.
15 August 2021 / Sunday
Commencing at 2:00 pm, today’s efforts were set in motion. Initially, we efficiently transported the Coast Cottonwood Tree Stumps using a compact pick-up truck to the designated location, namely Veliyathamparambu Beach. Upon arrival, meticulous arrangements were made for the placement of saplings, including Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Bruguiera cylindrica.
It should be emphasized that throughout our endeavours, strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols was maintained, ensuring the prescribed social distancing measures were strictly followed.
Members of the team who came to build the bio-fence at Veliyathamparambu beach
- K.K. Raghuraj (Farm Superintendent, KUFOS / Project Advisor)
- Manoj I.B. (Well-konwn environ activist and Grassroute member)
- Sreeraj
- Pramod KV
- Atul Krishna
- Pramod Panakkathara
- Siju
- Stanley Sijo
- Salish North
- Sunil Kumar
- Dhanesh Kachappilly
- Sijo
- Arun Raj
- Padmaraj
- Dhananjayan
- Thomas m. Vazhappilly
- Jose C. Vattathara
Things got even more exciting when our mentor, K.K. Raghuraj, a subject expert who has deeply studied mangroves and various ecosystems, joined the group. He explained to the whole team how to plant and maintain the stumps, mangroves and seeds that we collected. Its video is attached below.
August 15 – Freedom through the environment
India’s Independence Day, observed on August 15, marked the inception of Grassroute’s inaugural initiative, which entailed the planting of mangroves, Cost Cottonwood Tree Stumps, and Indian Almond seeds. In a departure from traditional cloth flags, flagpoles adorned the beach, embodying a collective sentiment of patriotism. On this significant day, a dedicated group of local volunteers, comprising both young and middle-aged individuals, unveiled this distinctive blend of patriotism and philanthropy. Recognizing that mere social media discourse falls short, these impassioned volunteers emphasized the necessity of taking tangible action. Notably, even individuals unaffiliated with the organization enthusiastically joined in the activities, reflecting the broader local involvement.
Report in short
Location of the project ➔ Nayarambalam Veliyathamparambu Puthenkadappuram
Latitude Longitude 10 ° 03’10.4 “N 76 ° 12’53.2” E
What three words address
The start point – ///posting.elaborate.ushering
The endpoint – ///magnitude.copes.figure
Dated ➔ 15 August 2021
Time ➔ 16:30 IST
Number of seedlings planted 500
Number of seedlings planted 500
Three types of seedlings were planted here. Those –
1. Rhizophora mucronata (Rhizophora mucronata)
2. Penetration (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)
3. Bruguiera cylindrica
Number of stems of Hibiscus tiliaceus planted ➔ 768
Number of stems of planted Thespesia Populnea 20
Participants ➔ 17
Summary
The conservation project initiated by Grassroute commenced promptly at 4:30 pm. The van carrying tree trunks and mangroves was parked in the shaded area on the south side of the Puthenkadappuram church. The project was officially inaugurated with the planting of the first sapling on the south side of the church by K.K. Reghuraj. Subsequently, the remaining saplings were planted approximately 150 meters north of the inauguration site.
A total of 760 poles were strategically planted in three rows on the east side of the sand gate and two rows on the west side of the sand fence, between the sand fence and the sea wall. Seedlings and seeds were carefully placed in suitable areas with mud and moist soil. Additionally, a few mangrove seeds were planted on both sides of the creek near the beach.
The task involved digging holes in three different locations using three rods. Over the course of two hours, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, a dedicated team of 15-16 individuals efficiently planted five rows of saplings at a distance of 150 meters. The workflow consisted of one person creating the pit, while another planted the stems in the pit, securing the soil and placing the stumps.
Upon the successful completion of the project, all team members sought respite at the nearby residence of Mr Salish, President of Grassroute. In this setting, an informal meeting ensued, providing an opportunity for insightful discussions. Notably, Mr Raghuraj, Farm Superintendent at KUFOS, shared valuable insights regarding the paramount significance of environmental conservation. The gathering facilitated a deepened understanding and appreciation for the importance of preserving our natural surroundings.
At approximately 7:00 pm, expressing gratitude to all those involved, the participants concluded the event, acknowledging the collective efforts that contributed to the success of this impactful endeavour.