Six years ago, three men from Ambattur came together and decided that it was time for them to give something back to society. Their way? Well, it was to plant as many saplings as possible and turn barren lands back to their former glory.
News Today met with S Kannan, one of the three men, who is fondly known as ‘Poonga’ Kannan in the neighbourhood for his contributions to society. Most notably for his contributions in turning the Thangal Lake Park into a lush green place, having grown 470 trees there.
“When we decided to plant saplings, we knew that they wouldn’t stand a chance if they are not maintained properly. So, we also decided to spend time and maintain them. It only takes a couple of years and later, those plants which grow into trees will take care of your needs,” said the 63-year-old.
Poonga Kannan works with Ganesh Babu and Periyannan. They are also aided by others, one of them being a retired Forest Ranger, who helps them with identifying native breeds and saving them.
“When we started work at Thangal Lake Park in Venkatapuram, I felt sorry for the waterbody present there because it had shrunk from being a 250 acre one to having just 52 acres under its holding. Encroachments were made in a rapid manner in the past 30 years unfortunately,” said Kannan who lives at Old Bank of Baroda Street at Secretariat Colony in Ambattur.
Nevertheless, Kannan and team went on with their work, first selecting saplings then planting them and finally taking care of them. “Whenever we plant saplings, we ask youngsters who come to the park to give us a hand. Those interested will help us out and also ask us many questions. It is amazing how much they know about technology and world happenings, but nothing about trees or animals that are next to us,” said he.
The trio also decided not to call for help at all, not the government, not NGOs, nobody. “We decided to put in our own money and time. We do not employ anyone to dig the pits for us. We do it ourselves. We can spend time and work on it and so, we do it.”
Kannan is an ardent follower of former President APJ Adbul Kalam. So, the team never misses out the opportunity to make use of his birth anniversary to gather people and teach them things about native trees.
“We conduct four events every year. People show interest in it as well. It is just out of our personal interest,” said Kannan. Personal interest it is, for Kannan also volunteers at the Pechu Payilarangam that is operating at the park premises and teaches children who come there to learn for free.
“If you have space at your home, just give us a call. We will bring the saplings, plant them and go. All you have to do is pour two cups of water every day. We will come on a monthly basis to look after the plant as well,” said Kannan, when asked about his ventures outside Thangal Lake Park. The team also takes such measures at Thamarai Kulam and Ayyan Kulam in the neighbourhood.
Kannan’s affection towards plants shined bright when he said the following words before departing, “Growing plants is an art. They speak to us if we care to listen. For me though, plants are like my children. I will take care of them as long as I possibly can.”
Poonga Kannan can be contacted at 7358509400.