If you walk across the streets of Sirugramam in Kadalur, you will see something out of the ordinary. Unlike other villages that are usually found with lush fields, this village has an artificial forest that has been made out of land that was once considered absolutely barren. This mini forest is now a great source of revenue and resources to over 70 families in the village.
The credit for this goes to a couple from Kadalur. Kasturi and her husband Bhaskaran are the reason for the transformation of the barren land that was once dubbed nothing but a source for limestone into a lush green forest. This village is incidentally the native village of Kasturi. “The village was dubbed “Chunnambu Moodu” or “land of limestones”. You would find limestone just 1.5 ft under the surface. The land was barren and practically good-for-nothing,” recalls Kasturi.
“There were only thorns, bushes and a few trees that were being used by locals for firewood. The soil, water and labour were problematic. Nothing could be cultivated,” she added. Be it using high power motored pumps to pump out water for the trees, or getting into the field by themselves to plant the saplings. This couple did it all.
Isha Foundation came to their rescue, as they were running a nursery nearby. They went on to supply them with various saplings and advice. Thanks to their persistent efforts, this forest came into the picture. Now, there is no shortage of water resources or a source of livelihood for those in this region.
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