Healing a scar
Along Gujarat’s south-western coastline one can find large limestone pits where ashlars of tuff are being cut out from the terrain. These blocks are used as inexpensive and durable building material and have replaced the low quality clay bricks to a large extent. The pits leave deep scars in the landscape which as a consequence is rendered useless – nothing grows here, apart from some thorny bushes and the water that leaks in is highly saline.
The limestone pit near the coastal village Madhupur in Gujarat
In the village Madhupur such a pit of several acres has been acquired by a local ashram as an extension of their existing facilities and is now undergoing landscaping. Once earth moving work has been concluded, a variety of indigenous trees and herbs will be planted by saplings and seedball method to create a beautiful oasis as an abode for relaxation and meditation.
Landscaping of Gokul Dham in Madhupur in progress
Manasvi came back from a visit to Madhupur, where he received permission for us to undertake the reforestation of this place called “Gokul Dham”. For our project this will provide a valuable opportunity to gain experience with reforesting the coastal area with its sandy soil and saline groundwater. The place is roughly six kilometer from the ocean shore and requires specific trees and shrubs that can grow in this conditions. In this regard we will be advised by the forestry department and by Mr. Soni, who upon analysis of the soil will provide us with a list of suitable plants.
On his way, Manasvi visited another ashram between Khambhaliya and Jamnagar, which is situated further inside the country and which also agreed willingly to undertake a reforestation project in cooperation with our organisation on several acres of degraded wasteland. In this area, trees are especially valuable, as heavy industry and two large refineries are producing quite a lot of emissions.
In Gujarat, people show much enthusiasm when they learn about our activities and they appreciate the opportunity to become part of a movement that cares for the environement and many people become proactive and devoted to the idea of regreening the place. A group of people in Ahmedabad attended a gathering where Manasvi explained the importance of reforestation and caring for the environment. Spontaneously some of the attendees decided to introduce a “car-free day” once a month and the owner of a print shop offered to print an intitial lot of “Secrets of the Earth” in Gujarati free of charge.
We are very grateful for this appreciation and Manasvi feels energized and motivated to endure the hardships of his long travels for the cause when he encounters the open and warm reception by the people of Gujarat.
