Pompayya
Malemath is a wild life enthusiast from Hospet, Karnataka works for 3 years to
transform a barren acre to thriving forest. It is said that once he noticed a scrubby
patch of land that bordered his property, which was lying empty and was turned
into a dumping ground. He felt he must do something to change this area by planting
some trees. So he took initiative to write to the Tungabhadra Board asking them
permission to do so. The ideas were accepted by the board, provided that he
will not claim ownership of that particular patch of land as it belongs to the
state. He treated this as a project for restoration and not for any commercial
gains.
He
began by clearing up the place as people have been dumping in this land; surveyed
the entire place and the soil quality to check whether saplings can be
planted. He took help of his family
members in getting the things done. He dug up trenches and filled them with
good soil. After which he brought coconut, Neem and papaya trees, telling
himself that out of the 50 saplings even if two survived, he would feel it’s of
a significant value. But to his surprise every sapling took root and that gave him the motivation to continue
and ensure that this place is converted into a forest with 800 trees within a
span of 3 years.
He
felt that his efforts were to wanting to give back to the nature that has given
us everything and planting trees seemed the best way to do so says Pompayya. His tireless efforts bore fruit when the
barren patch of empty land that used to be a dumping ground became a thriving
forest only in 3 years. This patch of green is a ray of sunshine for the
environment conservationists across the world. By profession he was a
photographer and a tour operator, fascinated with wild life and plants at a
very early age in life.
It
is said that he was a volunteer at the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary and at this
time he did all kinds of odd jobs and in the process learnt about animal and
plant species. He was elected as representative in his Panchayat, and he began
raising awareness about the need for conservation in his village, which enabled
him to get in touch with the forest department, which was inspired by his
dedication, and the officials helped him by supplying the saplings for free.
What
is very inspiring is that he managed to get water for these trees from one of
his friend who volunteered to supply water for the saplings from his own bore
well. He not only found way to take care of the trees, it is said that he spent
around 3 lakhs of his personal money to
purchase manure for these trees. The impact of the work is seen in that
way how the trees have grown; and today there 800 of them that also shelters birds as well as animals.
Pompayya is a great example for his innovative way
of making the earth a better place for our children, and he took courage in
doing something that compelled him and pushed him to take care of these
saplings like the way one takes care of children, he was passionate about trees
and bringing light into darkness. I am glad I found him in our neighboring
state and happy to share his story. .
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Wonderful post Genevieve! And that all his saplings took root is also wonderful! Pompayya Malemath is truly a hero for his work over the years and the officials help in achieving his goal and the forest his reward for all to appreciate and enjoy! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan for being here; appreciate you for your affirmations and yes Pompayya is a true hero and has made a huge difference in his own place; a challenge for us to do what we can within our limitations.
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