KOCHI: Over the past year, more than 1,200 tree saplings have been planted across eight locations in Kochi as part of the city’s ‘Pachathuruth Project.’ This initiative, led by the Kochi Corporation in collaboration with the Haritha Kerala Mission, aims to convert waste-dumping sites into small green forests.
The project, also known as the ‘Green-Islands’ initiative, focuses on transforming neglected spaces into green areas filled with a variety of plants, including fruit-bearing trees like mango, jackfruit, and star apple, as well as medicinal and flowering plants.
“We clean the open spaces with the help of the corporation’s staff before establishing a ‘Pachathuruth,’” said Nissa A., coordinator of the Haritha Kerala Mission. “Once the area is ready, local schools or resident associations are tasked with maintaining it.”
The Kochi Corporation has allocated a budget of Rs 2 lakh to create these green spaces across different parts of the city. Green islands have already been established in locations such as Lisie Hospital, Kaloor, Mundamveli, and Pullepady.
“When public spaces are kept clean and green, people are less likely to dump waste,” said Neetha M N, a senior public health inspector with the corporation. “The Pachathuruth project is now being implemented across 21 circles, covering 74 divisions within the city.”
Nissa added that organizations like KMRL, NSS volunteers, and various educational institutions have been actively involved in the project. “Raising public awareness is essential for success. We encourage people and organizations to reach out to us if they want to implement the project in their areas,” she said.
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