On Monday, 29 August, 2005, the Chief Minister Shri Pratapsingh Raoji Rane will plant a true Ashoka tree [Saraca indica] seedling and dedicate to the people of Goa, the SESA GOA GREEN BELT between the Goa University Library Complex and the Vice-Chancellor's Office, inclusive of two traffic islands. This segment of the Biodiversity Plantation will have shade trees, flowering shrubs, ramblers and creepers with colourful and fragrant flowers to create an ambience in which one would love to read a book...with pleasure. Sesa Goa Group is also participating in reviving the block of legume trees that was begun in 1991. The former Chancellor of Goa University, Shri Mohd Fazal,Chairman of Biodiversity Board, Dr.Heman Y.Karapurkar, the Director of Science, Technology & Environment, Dr.N.P.S.Varde are expected to be present on the occasion. Prof. P.S.Zacharias the Vice-Chancellor , Mr.A.K.Rai Director of the Sesa Group, Dr.Ajit Shirodkar Chairman of the Western Ghats Kokum Foundation and Mr.Mahesh Patil, General Manager-Environment of Sesa Group will be representing the host group of the Biodiversity plantation. The 'Sesa Goa Green Belt' is designed by Miguel Braganza in consultation with the Goa University, WGKF and Sesa Group.
In keeping with our promise not to be banal, the function will consist of tree planting near the Library [ Green house side] at 10.30 A.M.and a short programme at the University Library's Heritage Hall immediately thereafter. Tree seedlings of 32 uncommon tree species have been provided by NISARGA Nature Club from the tree nursery at the Saraswat Education Society campus, Khorlim-Mapusa. They will form the core of the biodiversity enhancement in this area. Existing trees, shrubs and herbs, both native and planted by various groups including the NCC of Dhempe Collegeof Arts & Science,Miramar, NSS of Sridora Caculo College of Commerce & Management, Mapusa, Goa Forest Department and garden staff of Goa University, are retained in situ. Both biodiversity and aesthetics are considered together in this section of the campus. Trees, shrubs and herbs bearing fruits, colourful and fragrant flowering and various type of foliage in different hues and textures will be planted to fill up the senses of vision, smell, touch and taste. The wind blowing through these trees will convey its own message to the ears of the listener. Earlier this month, we had a simple function at the Goa University where the Chief General Manager of State Bank of India, Mr.Rameshkumar planted a kokum graft, before handing over a cheque of Rs.2.00 lakhs to Dr.Ajit Shirodkar, Chairman of WGKF in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Goa Univeristy Prof.Zacharias. The cheque is the first instalment of the SBI commitment of Rs.10.00 lakhs for the part of the BIODIVERSITY PLANTATION that will simply be called the SBI FRUIT TREE PARK. [Reported in the local newspapers on 22 and 23 August,2005]. In fact, this patch of greenery was created with a SBI fund way back in the early 1990s but had fallen into neglect. To avoid recurrence of such a thing WGKF has signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding with Goa Univeristy to plant and maintain the trees. The local branch manager of SBI, Ms.Elsa Vernekar is the custodian of a fund being raised under the "WGKF-A/c Support Goa University" to improve other infrastructure in the Goa University. Mr.P.G. Kakodkar has appealed to each household in Goa to contribute Rs.101/- to this fund. With 4.5 lakh households in Goa, this will yield Rs.4.5 crores. It is enough if 25% of the households[ less than 10% of the population] contribute this year to reach the target of Rs.1.0 crores.The account number is 05097. The Diamond Group of tabloids has committed to advertise the cause and the SWIFT account number free till the fundraising target of Rs.1.0 crore is achieved. On 29 August, Rotary Club of Mapuca will hand over to the WGKF-GU group a cheque of Rs.10,001/- as its initial contribution to this fund. The BIODIVERSITY PARK has no SPONSORS. It rather has people, agencies and companies that are committing themselves to a cause. This barren patch of the plateau which Dr.Padmakar R. Dubhashi [ the second Vice-Chancellor-1990-94 of Goa University] had begun to re-vegetate will one day be a green oasis amidst an urban jungle. Viva Goa. Miguel
