To increase the green cover along Mumbai’s coastline, an environmental activist has started an initiative along with an NGO to plant coconut trees.
In the next six months, 1,00,000 coconut trees will be planted along Mumbai’s west coast. According to a report by mid-day, these will run along the coast in Juhu, Versova, Aksa, Gorai, Danapani and Manori.
This is part of an initiative called “Mission Green Mumbai” – started by environmental activist Subhajit Mukherjee, with an aim to increase the green cover specifically in the coastal areas. NGO Green Yatra is also part of this mission.
A founding member of the Let’s Green Foundation, Subhajit told mid-day, “The government and other agencies have undertaken several plantation drives this year, but not much has been done to increase the green cover along the coastline. Hence, we decided to plant coconut trees along the west coast.”
Subhajit is also requesting everyone to adopt the saplings once they plant them, so they can take the responsibility of looking after it.
“Coconut trees have a long life and take almost eight to 10 years to bear fruits,” Subhajit told the publication.
Apart from the citizens, several corporate companies are also coming forward to contribute to the cause. A sapling costs between ₹60 to ₹200, depending on its size. Apart from that, an additional ₹60 will be charged for transportation and labour.
A few months ago, the environmental activist had saved the plants along the Dahisar-Andheri-DN Nagar metro line. After failed attempts by the government to increase the green cover along the coastline, he now has his hopes set on the “Mission Green Mumbai” initiative.