Bengaluru 63-YO Landscaper Revives Dying Lake; 4000 Saplings Planted

Revathy Kamath, a resident of Bengaluru, was a passionate gardener, constantly thrilled in the existence of colourful bouquets. The 63-year-previous shares, “I have always been a homemaker. When both of those my sons grew up and bought occupied with their possess chores, I committed additional time to do my favourite functions like gardening.”

But before long, her journey went from remaining a homemaker and gardener to starting to be a landscaper and environmentalist! She went on to start her personal organization referred to as ‘Calyx – Landscaping & Natural and organic Farming’ in 2000 but has now stepped down as its proprietor to enjoy her retired life.

This graduate of Botany says that her really like for gardening has presented her happiness, pleasure and results. But how did it all transpire?

For the appreciate of flowers

Revathy says, “First, I commenced a tiny flower store the place bouquets were geared up and distributed primarily based on orders. Step by step, I experienced clients such as IT giants like Wipro and HP, and I turned to event organising as effectively — stage decoration and relevant arrangements for the companies’ capabilities, which gave me enormous satisfaction. As I’m also into songs and concert events, these kinds of activities have been also organised with the support of a wonderful crew I employed.”

It was in 1994, throughout her 40s, that Revathy bought an option to get into the landscaping business enterprise by placing up a back garden for a property.

She states, “I had zero suggestions about this subject, but immediately after in-depth reading and knowing, I took up the project. This grew to become a huge good results which led to several other large and tiny assignments coming my way, together with the backyard of Mysore University in Bengaluru.”

Revathy explains, “In get to do landscaping work, we require area to increase all styles of vegetation which are later replanted to the assigned place. I was looking for a plot to do this perform as properly as to do organic farming. On a check out to a friend’s location in Somanahalli village, I noticed a handful of acres of spare land. My prepare was to use the land with out getting it right after acquiring authorization. Somanahalli Gram Panchayat president Muniraj Gowda gave us a heads up and we planted trees like banyan, peepal, neem, jamun (Java plum) and jackfruit alongside with various creepers and decorative plants.”

Landscaper-turned-environmentalist

It took Revathy a even though to realise that the drinking water facility on this plot was restricted as the close by Somanahalli Lake was on the verge of dying. She also discovered that the adjacent Raja Canal was blocked which resulted in the absence of freshwater flowing to the 25-acre extensive lake.

“There were some encroachments which stopped the drinking water move. I decided to take the assist of the village administration to clear away these. Earth movers had been brought to crystal clear the boundaries. This took about six months and water gradually begun flowing into the lake. Two islands around 30 toes in top have been also built inside of the lake area to help the flowing. The freshwater gave hope to hundreds of farmers and the normal populace in the locality, who acquired no benefit from the lake for the earlier 45 years,” claims the environmentally friendly warrior.

The river conservation actions took a good deal of work and money. Revathy shares that in excess of Rs 45 lakh was used on the system which was contributed by her sons.

“Both of them have always supported my ventures. They were being content to assist this result in to better the livelihood of the villagers though having a modest step to preserve our earth from water shortage,” she provides.

“While studying the river, the villagers shared their fond memories and how the encroachments got out of their regulate. Even although there have been only a number of fences and some squander, they could not do nearly anything about it since they have been ignorant of the administrative proceedings and, of system, owing to economical constraints. I’m glad that they are living a better lifestyle now,” she states.

Following the clearance, Revathy planted more than 4,000 saplings in the barren land. The place is now loaded with greenery, chirping birds, butterflies and far more.

“Cleaning of Raja Canal has to be done promptly. Or else, it could be the cause for floods and getting rid of a lot more rivers. The mission is still in development,” she informs.

“Even nevertheless I have partly still left the landscaping subject to live a tranquil retired lifestyle, my really like for plants, trees and flowers is only rising. I will keep on to get the job done for them and do each and every able matter to conserve my world,” states the sexagenarian.

Revathy shares that her intention is to teach college students about ecological troubles and inspire them to acquire initiative, thereby guarding human existence and ecology.

Edited by Pranita Bhat Image credits: Revathy Kamath.