(This story originally appeared in on Jun 12, 2016)

Ramesh Y regularly clears the area around the trees, collects water from the Lokapavani river at the foot of the hillock and waters the plants after an arduous journey with 20-litre cans in hand.

THE DRIP PROCESS

ONE STONE, TWO BIRDS

MADE SPACE FOR HERBS TOO

A tree that almost got burned down in a recent wildfire is getting back to its green glory due to the drip irrigation method that Ramesh has employed

A LOOMING DANGER

HE'S PLANTING UP TO

How many men does it take to turn a rocky and parched hill, spread over a few kilometres, into a lush green paradise that birds find irresistible? The answer is one. And this man from Srirangapatna has proved it.It took Ramesh Y five years of back-breaking toil, but his efforts have borne much fruit.Ramesh is a 40-year-old graduate who abandoned law studies to take up small works to support his family. Eventually, he became a supplier of mineral water in Srirangapatna and nearby areas. He was a regular at the Venkataramanaswamy temple, nestled in Karighatta hills.But every time, he went up the hill, it bothered him to find its scanty vegetation withering away in the heat. One day, he decided to do something about it. "I could see a few plants around, but they obviously weren't tended to. I built small bunds around each and watered them. It was quite a task, which I soon realised was also in vain. This wasn't going to work. It was too hot and the water would seep in too fast," he said.Someone told him that drip irrigation was the best way to save the trees. But with his limited income, there was no way he could afford to lay pipelines around Karighatta, spread across 5-8 sq km.Later one day, when he was trying to junk an expired water can, the idea came. "Why not use this for drip irrigation? I had plenty of such cans at my disposal. Using them would be cost-effective and would easily serve the purpose," said Ramesh. The only investment would be the wires, and of course his time.Once he knew how, he went on to select the plants and tie the modified mineral water cans around them. He would cut off the bottom half of these cans and suspend them upside down, letting the water dribble out of the mouth.He ensured that the drops fell onto the roots. In a few days, it was clear that the plan was working. The greenery had started spreading. The orange of the parched land was changing into a luscious green."Once filled up, the cans could hold water at least for two to three days. This made my job easy and I extended the project to many more trees so that I could alternately water them.The blooming landscape not only pleased him, but also the birds in the area. The availability of water was a big draw for the winged visitors. But he saw how they struggled to take a sip while precariously balancing on the edge of the can. And when the water level dropped, it became an impossible feat altogether.Being the problem-solver that he is, Ramesh came out with another indigenous idea — he placed a stick inside the cans. Now the birds not only had a better grip, but could also reach the water regardless of its level.Drip irrigation is a great way of conserving water - up to 80-90 per cent efficient, it is said. But Ramesh found he could do even more. "I realised the water was sufficient to grow a few more saplings, especially those that would grow underneath a huge tree. So I made space for a few ayurvedic herbs beneath those trees," said Ramesh.Once he was done, Ramesh put up conservation messages all around, in the hope that others would respect and add to the greenery.This one good man's works have saved more than 100 trees in this area. But his work here is far from over. He fills more than 30 cans of water from the Lokapavani river and brings them down here. Picking two at a time, he refills the drip systems. He transports these cans to the top of the hill either on foot or in his auto.The Good Samaritan's efforts have often been put to test. Once, while he was watering the trees, someone stole his mobile phone. But the biggest threat his efforts face comes from forest fires."I have been seeing this for the last five years. In the summer, someone would come and set the forest ablaze. In fact, it was found that it had become something of a ritual for a few villagers to light up the forest every year. The flora is burnt to the ground, as a result. Even today, you can see the burnt trees atop the hill. I also found charred remains of peacocks, rabbits and other small animals. I told forest officials about it and they are trying to be proactive by digging trenches to stop the fire. However, unless we educate the locals, it may be of little help," said Ramesh, adding he has never expected any financial help from anyone.Ramesh is also actively engaged in planting new saplings. "I go to the market once in a while to buy seeds for neem, jack fruit, tamarind, Millettia pinnata and others. Not every seed sprouts, even my limited success over the course of time will bear fruit. My dream is to see this area converted into a dense forest. It will definitely help in increasing rainfall in this area," said Ramesh.