Dear Residents,
It was indeed very heartening to see the enthusiasm with which the Tree Plantation drive was undertaken in our township when the monsoons set in July. Kudos to the very willing volunteers for this noble cause. These plants now have to be nurtured with care to grow as healthy trees.
I moved into our beautiful township two decades back when very few houses had been constructed. The Allenteria (Alstonia scholaris) evergreen tropical trees planted by the Haryana Forest Department were around five to six years old then. In our township these trees had been planted with care in such a way that they did not obstruct the planned drive-in red colour cemented passages, along the then useable walk paths. Thousands of these trees had also been planted in several colonies in Gurugram.
The very fragrant flowers on these Allenteria trees bloom twice a year and over the years the quantity and quality of these flowers and the number of days has reduced due to changing climatic conditions. In March/April these flowers now last around five to six days and in October/November for eight to ten days i.e. for a maximum of around 15 days only in a year. In contrast, all of us are well aware of the serious allergies caused by the dense pollution in the NCR area almost around the year, more so from October to January, when the crop residue stubble burning and Diwali crackers, etc leave us breathless!
Over the years, the number of Allenteria trees in Malibu Towne has been dwindling sharply due to their removal, primarily to ensure the aesthetics of the front elevation of some of the villas (plus side elevation in the case of some corner plots). Thankfully now, the Haryana Forest Department has formulated strict regulations for even trimming big branches of healthy trees.
Also, what is intriguing is that a few residents, besides not using their own driveways/stilt parking facilities, are quite happy parking their cars and two-wheelers around shady trees elsewhere but do not want trees to grow in front of their villas!!!
All residents are requested to join hands and support the resident volunteers, gardeners and all RWA Office Bearers & Staff to maintain the Green Environment in our beautiful township.
Best wishes to all residents.
