Arjun Singh
Surat (Gujarat) : As tagged by the Prestigious media Green Man of India, Mr. Viral Desai, a renowned businessman and environmentalist has successfully created the first Urban Forest of Indian Railways in December 2019 through his ‘Hearts of Work Foundation.’ Using the popular Miyawaki-style this urban and micro forest has been created near Udhna RPF Colony in just seven months. More than 1,100 native species of trees were planted in this premises.
In a short span of just seven months after the inauguration of this urban forest, also known as the ‘Shahid Smriti Van’ the Martyr’s Memorial Forest, the atmosphere of the entire area has undergone a major transformation. An ecosystem of more than 1,100 trees has sprung up in what was once a garbage dump seven months ago. The forest has become the natural habitat to hundreds of species with many species of birds, squirrels or insects taking refuge there. The trees have contributed greatly in improving the air quality in the area which has now become a major oxygen chamber.
Environmentalist Viral Desai says of his success, “The situation will be completely different in this Miyawaki forest after the monsoon. No one will be able to believe that there is a dense forest right in the middle of Udhna-Limbayat area. As time progresses, more bio-diversity will develop here, which will have a significant impact on the mental as well as physical health of the people here. We have also planted sorghum (jowar) and maize in the forest so that the wildlife can thrive in this place, which will automatically attract the birds and they will settle in this place. ‘
The RPF officials and Jawans living in the place near the first urban forest of Surat are also very happy with the positive change brought about by the urban forest and have appreciated our efforts for the same. This urban forest is also planted with fruit bearing trees and drum stick tree ( Sargvo) which makes it all the more exciting to go there for fruits as well as vegetables. Viral Desai said that there is an urgent need for more such dense urban forests in the country’s cities in the near future. At such a time, it is a matter of pride that Surat has gained momentum in the direction of the Urban Forest. As a part of its long-term commitment towards ecological sustainability, Hearts at Work Foundation has started this green initiative of building urban forests to provide citizens a healthier and happier lives.
