A drive alongside the Palar river in Tamil Nadu is a scenic one. The air has a crispy freshness, and the panorama is evocative with a whole bunch of timber lining the highway. As you drink on this view, it’s fascinating to be taught in regards to the man behind it.

G Srikanth from Gudiyatham, Vellore, grew up within the lap of nature however later moved to Chennai for work. By way of the years, each go to again residence would sadden him as he watched the state’s wealthy pure legacy fading away earlier than his eyes.

In 2017, Srikanth determined to put the basis for change. He started by planting 1,000 saplings within the barren wasteland that outlined the Palar riverbed. Right this moment, over 15,000 timber stand as a testomony to his dedication.

Srikanth has been profitable in turning the 25-acre deteriorating panorama right into a vibrant canvas that boasts three forests, all whereas combating the native land mafias who needed to have sand quarries constructed within the space.

“They might lower or uproot the timber the night we planted them. Virtually 800 timber have been lower off by this mafia. They might threaten me over the cellphone, name me to their workplace to intimidate me, and supply me cash to avoid this land. After I was clearing the land, they threw sand at me as all the village watched. They even threatened my household,” he provides.

By way of his work, Srikanth has tried to advocate the message of how sustainability is paramount within the face of city growth.

Watch this video to know the way he achieved this milestone:

Edited by Pranita Bhat