About a year and a half ago, Muthu Colony in Karumbukadai sported a deserted look. There were many slums in the vicinity. All that began to change when members of the city-based NGO, Towards a Serene Kovai (TASK), came together and decided to convert this neglected space into a green cover. Thanks to them, the corporation, and of the Corporation Commissioner and the Mayor, the area, the land measuring nearly 3000 sq. ft. has been transformed into a lush garden today.

The barren piece of land that was used as a garbage dump was first cleaned. Fences were put up, and with the help of members and volunteers, tree saplings were planted. 18 months have passed and their efforts have starting bearing fruits. Today, vegetables like pumpkins, tomatoes, beans, and chilies, and fruits like papaya, guava, and sapote are produced in this space.

“NGO Siruthuli donated 100 saplings. School children from two government schools in this area and students of Atar Jamat High School planted this park. The school watchman, Mohammed Rafi, has volunteered to look after the plants. Today whatever is produced from this space is handed over to the students of the schools,” Abdul Hakkim, project coordinator, said.

Now that the garden is well taken care of and the trees have started to bear fruits, TASK has plans of converting this space into a park that will be open to public soon. This area that was once a neglected space has street lights, a drinking water line, and a brand new road. The project coordinator informed that people who have seen the transformation are now making enquires about growing vegetables and fruits in their homes. “We are ready to help them,” Abdul Hakkim said.

Abdul Hakkim can be reached at 77084-72406