MIRC Regiment develops a green thumb

AHMEDNAGAR, Oct 23: The army is doing something very different here. And as is its wont, quite distinctive. It has developed a green thum...

AHMEDNAGAR, Oct 23: The army is doing something very different here. And as is its wont, quite distinctive. It has developed a green thumb, which is transforming barren land into lush green areas.

Well-equipped with modern defence equipment, the MIRC Regiment along Solapur Road has taken up tree plantation on a massive scale. The soldiers, otherwise grappling with the enemy, law and order problems or natural calamities, are helping the land to recover its capacity to grow vegetation. One can see green fields all along a 2-km stretch on the side of Narayan-Doh Road.

The green belt, a result of hard work over four years, has become a must-see for everyone. The then Commandant, Brig. Thorat, acting commandant, Brig. Srinivasan, deputy commandant K.C. Achappa, and many other officers toiled hard to create the green belt with jawans.

According to Lt. Co. Aditya Pandey, the MIRC sanctioned Rs 42 lakh to develop 1312 acres of land between Narayan-Doh, Darewadi and Nimbodi villages in 1994. The MIRC Green8217; project got Rs 24.8 lakh from the National Non-Usable Land development Board in 1994, Rs 12.72 lakh in 1997 and Rs 4 lakh this year. Stress was laid on preventing soil erosion, development of forest area and protection of animals. Six lakh saplings were planted on 837 acres. In this monsoon, after plantation in 172 acres, 9 lakh trees have been planted over 1000 acres.

The trees planted are shisva, karanj, tamarind, babhul, kanchan mango, lemon, kashid, palas, papaya, and bamboo. Animals like black and white deer and birds now roam the forest area.

Bunds nad rain water drains have been designed to ensure optimum use of water. Five ponds of water have been created. The result is a thick green carpet rolled out to welcome everyone. Special officers and jawans have been posted to prevent cutting of trees and poaching of animals and birds.

The project has given employment for 50 people, in the nursery and related work. As many as 29 families collect essential herbs that go into the preparation of hair shampoos; 53 families cut grass on 25 acres of land each. The grass is fed to milch animals; 10 people collect fuelwood. Plantation on another 303 acres will be completed by August next year.

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From the beginning, the factors like rainfall, soil erosion, type of soil, water availability, geographical condition were studied scientifically and the data used to select the tree types. This has insured good growth. The project is open for all. Civilians look upon it as a spot of natural beauty. Soldiers relax there in the arm of nature.