We all enjoy the shade of a tree when the scorching heat tires us, and we cherish the swishing sound of the leaves when the winds pass through them. However, very few people take a step ahead and adopt a plant. This duo not only planted but also looked after thousands of plants and trees.
Mohammed Jadliwala and Nitin Bhatt have made it possible for a lot of trees to survive and thrive under their leadership. Not only have they planted trees, but they also opened doors for biodiversity to exist in land near Bharuch. They were searching for a place where they could plant trees and do something for the planet. Here’s how their journey began,
“Before 3 years during our search, we came across a wonderful opportunity. A group called Bharuch City Council & Trust in Bharuch had empty land and they were planning to make it green through a plantation drive. Without any second thought, we jumped into the project and started working on this project selflessly.”
The plantation in the first year was done well. They planted 400-500 plants. However, it did not meet the expectation that they had. However, during the first year, it was a great learning session about what kind of water impacts the plants, the quality of land, soil, and its impact on the growth of the plants. With this learning in the next year, they began working on another piece of land on the lane of National Highway – 8. It was a belt of 4 to 4.5 km.
Let’s Go Green!
“With all our learnings from our first project, we began working on the new land. It was located near the river Narmada, which gave us the idea of attracting unique species and promoting biodiversity. We also wanted to experiment with the Miyawaki forest. However, hiring a professional was beyond our budget, and thus we experimented with something new on our own.”
The result of their experiment was genuinely impressive. The 1800 trees that they planted have grown immensely in these many years. They strongly believe in the philosophy of unorganized and variety of plantations. Sometimes, leaving the plants on their own and letting them create their own space is needed.
Also, read: This Duo Is Creating Mumbai’s First Dense Forest, Aims To Plant 10 Crore Trees By 2025 Across India
In three years, they have covered three different lands near Bharuch and filled them with various species of plants & trees. They have named this space Reva Aranya – 1, 2 & 3. ‘Reva’ is the name of the river Narmada and ‘Aranya’ means ‘Forest’ in Sanskrit. It implies a forest located on the banks of river Narmada.
Jadliwala and Bhatt have successfully developed Urban forests and paved the way for biodiversity to grow.
The Beauty of Nature
The beauty of nature has always been that it gives us more than we expect. When they decided to plant different kinds of trees, they selected 40 species. It included medicinal herbs, fruits, native plants, and sacred plants. However, with the presence of squirrels, birds, monkeys & other beings come different seeds. They bring along a variety of seeds from far away places and bless the land with new plants and trees.
Also, read: Jadav Payeng – The Forest Man Of India Who Single-Handedly Created 1360 Acre Of Forest In Majuli
They have planted 15,000 plants in these three spaces and are actively looking after them. In the coming years, this urban forest will become even denser, and it will not only save humans from increasing pollution and climate change but also become a home for many other species.
The plantations have been done without the usage of any chemical pesticides.
Based on their work and dedication towards mother nature, they receive CSR funds to execute the project. The initial year was a struggle, but as their efforts brought results, they got the needed support. They also have an incredible team working with them on the same cause.
Also, read: 5 Profound Life Lessons Nature Teaches But We Fail To Learn
What next?
On completing the journey of 15,000 trees and three huge lands, we asked them about their plans ahead.
“We are already in talks with the sarpanch of land from a nearby village. They have a 12-acre land in which we are planning to grow 8,000 different species of plants & trees. We will soon begin the project and go green to the extent possible.”
We can do a lot for welfare. However, mother nature is the one that takes care of everyone, and now is the time for she is asking for help from all of us. This duo sets a perfect example of how we can give back to the planet and make a difference.