Surat: A small-scale green revolution has its roots in the narrow lanes of Kumbhar Sheri in Mahidarpura area of Surat, known for the bustling diamond trading markets where deals worth millions take place every minute.
For a lane where every square foot of space is worth thousands of rupees, planting of trees was out of the question.
But about 300 residents of Kumbhar Sheri’s 63 houses have done the unthinkable and send across a message for citizens in the old city areas of Surat on this World Environment Day.
Only one car can pass at a time through the lane in Kumbhar Sheri.
In the past six years, the residents of Kumbhar Sheri have grown 18 trees in the narrow lane and have planted several oxygen generating plants in nearly 300 pots.
The residents are projecting their lane as a model on how plantation on a small scale is possible even in congested localities.
Raju Chunara, a businessman and resident of Kumbhar Sheri loves planting trees.
“When I used to go for plantations in the lanes of Mahidharpura people used to object to it claiming that there was no space and lane would get more congested.
So, me and other residents of my lane decided to prove that with planning, plants will not create problems.
On the contrary, it will help improve the atmosphere of the locality,” said Chunara.
Ghanshyam Maisuriya, another resident of Kumbhar Sheri said, “We live in the centre of the city.
We hope that this plantation practice spreads to other areas.
We even go to other areas for plantations.” About 15 boys and girls from Kumbhar Sheri volunteer for plantations in Mahidarpura area.
All the residents of the lane are responsible for plants outside their houses.