Intends to plant 523 saplings to reward voters
Eco warrior S.Chandrasekar. (Photo: DC/File)
Coimbatore: It is his return gift to Kovai voters. They gave him 523 votes in the mayoral bypoll and he will give 523 saplings to the city which is fast losing its greenery. An environmentalist, S. Chandrasekar, who contested as an Independent and secured 523 votes in the bypolls, has decided to plant that many plants in residential areas.
A resident of Meena Estate, he contested amidst seasoned politicians in the bypolls in Coimbatore, on a mission to create awareness among people on conserving nature.
"I contested the elections as I felt it was an easy way to reach out to people with my message on conserving nature for posterity. I also campaigned through social networking sites, WhatsApp, SMS and by meeting local residents. But I avoided issuing pamphlets as they are made by cutting trees," he said.
Chandrasekar, who also runs Vanam, an environmental NGO, says that he is extremely happy over the votes polled by him. "I expected around 50 votes, but what I got was a huge number. It has motivated me to work harder for the cause of the environment," he said.
The environmentalist has begun preparatory works to fulfil his wish of planting as many saplings as the votes he secured. "The planting drive will begin September 28 and will be completed in another two months. Around 50 volunteers of the Vanam Trust, a few other environmental organisations and residential welfare associations have also pitched in to help in digging pits and planting saplings," he said.
The forest department has assured to give free saplings for plantation. "Most of the saplings will be planted in my neighbourhood. This will be convenient for me as I can water them. However, as the saplings are in danger from grazing animals, I have sought the support of my well-wishers to buy guards," he said.
Chandrasekar, who is into trading industrial products, has so far planted 1,008 plants across the city.
( Source : dc )
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