Director (Finance) N. Balaram has planted over 4,000 seedlings so far

At a time when the concerns over the fast degrading environment, particularly the depletion of green cover, are mere lip service among many who advocate conservation and protection, a senior officer in Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) has become an inspiration to many by planting over 4,000 seedlings in less than three months.

The officer, Director (Finance) N. Balaram, has taken to the plantation drive under the Haritha Haaram programme in mission a mode from June 5 and continuing it with a resolve as part of the SCCL’s plans to plant over one-crore seedlings this season. “I believe that green cover assumes a lot of significance in achieving a sustainable ‘Bangaru Telangana’ or a holistic State wherein the nature too is protected and worshipped. One of the ways to make it possible is by improving the green cover, which is coming down fast, in the State,” Mr. Balaram said asked as to what is the driving force behind his mission.

Leading from front

Unlike many who participate in the plantation programme only symbolically, Mr. Balaram himself fills the pit with soil after planting a seedling and waters it as the first step for its survival. Hailing from a poor tribal family from Tirumalagiri village of Mahabubnagar district, the rise of Mr. Balaram to an IRS officer in 2010 was a path of throes.

Working as a Deputy Commissioner in the Income Tax Department at Mumbai he joined SCCL on deputation earlier this year with an idea to become a part in the State’s development.

Mr. Balaram said he had started the plantation drive as part of Haritha Haaram on June 5 by planting 105 seedlings at Kothagudem.

Setting records

On July 20 he planted 1,257 seedlings on the overburden dump at the height of 180 feet from the ground level in Srirampur mining area and set a record of sorts. On the same day, he planted another 501 plants on the premises of Singareni Thermal Power Plant at Pegadapalli in Jaipur mandal of Mancherial district.

Leading from the front in creating an awareness on improving greenery among staff and employees of the Singareni Collieries Mr. Balaram planted another 108 seedling in Laxmidevapalli Bunglows on July 29, 216 plants near the J.K. Open Cast mine in Yellandu area on July 31, 516 plants at Garimelapadu in Kothagudem area on August 15, 621 plants at Bhupalapalli on August 19, 405 plants at Sathupalli on August 21, 306 at Manuguru on August 22 and the drive is going on...