Report by Jesse Jonathan
A recent report stated that there are only 17 trees for every 100 people in the city of Bengaluru. This alarming statistic prompted some much needed action.
On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Uttarahalli Magakere Walkers’ Association along with UWBe and the BBMP organized a Planting Drive at Uttarahalli Lake. Event details can be seen here. 300 saplings were planted on the occasion. 200 Corporate volunteers from Ingersoll Rand and SanDisk, and close to 30 community members from the Uttarahalli area participated in the event. The activity was held to reaffirm the community’s commitment to the rejuvenation of this lake and add to the green cover of the city.
The local MLA, M Krishnappa and Corporator Ramesh Raju also paid a visit to the lake to witness the event. They encouraged the community in their efforts and also wore the ‘Live United’ t-shirts propagating the message of United Way. The community members gathered at the lake and assisted corporate volunteers in activities such as de-weeding, mulching and planting saplings. Despite the hot sun, everyone toiled hard and got the job done.
Mr. Vishwanath, President of the Uttarahalli Magakere Walkers’ Association welcomed the participants and told them about how the lake has developed progressively with more than 600 walkers visiting it each day.
Mr. Srinivasa Udupa, Associate Vice President, said that the team at Ingersoll Rand, the main supporter of the lake, was very happy and impressed to see the progress at the lake. He appreciated the efforts of the community in keeping this lake alive and vibrant.
Mr. Sreepad Gopalarao, Senior Director of SanDisk addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts being put into the rejuvenation of the lake. He shared both his and his team’s enthusiasm towards the day’s work. SanDisk volunteers enjoyed the de-weeding & planting process, looking excitedly for a perfect spot to plant their saplings.
Mr. Sabu Thomas, Chairman represented United Way on the day. He highlighted United Way’s philosophy of bringing together key stakeholders to help locally address the need of a community. He used the opportunity to showcase how a lake can be transformed, provided the community around it is committed towards investing time and effort into the process.
Deweeding at Uttarahalli Lake, 5th June 2014
Planting of saplinga at Uttarahalli Lake, 5th June 2014
Jesse Jonathan is Assistant Manager, Communications & Corporate Relations, United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe)
Pics courtesy: UWBe