We all have heard of the adage, “Killing two birds with one stone”. Anita Soni of B9 South City1, hit upon one such idea when she suggested that we address the issue of disposal of plant waste which accumulates in the parks and in the lanes. Her suggestion was to consider composting it in suitably located pits in parks (away from normal usage areas, cordoned off with branches etc.). Subsequently, the compost produced could be used in the parks. Hence not only would the leaves be disposed in an environment-friendly method, but we would also be getting organic compost in the bargain. This would prove to be a win-win solution to the oft-repeated complaint of accumulated plant waste lying around in heaps.
This would also prevent leaves from being burnt or sent to landfills. Additionally, it would prove to be cost-effective since it saves on labour and transport required for moving the leaves to another destination, and also, there will be no need to buy compost.
As it happens, SCRWA had also proposed the above in early February and had even discussed it with someone (Brijendar) from our local horticulture team. The digging of one such pit was also started but other issues gained precedence. Now, I am sure with Residents like Anita Soni of B Block, Anu Prakash Suri of C Block, Rajni of O Block and several others seconding this initiative, we will not leave the leaves littered around.
by Dr Savita Nagpal ( B 86 South City1)
