Equally elated was Sapthmi Rao of Class 9. “I am determined to make a change and the opportunity to plant trees is something I always look forward to,” she explains. “There is so much pollution in the city and we have to change all that.”

Another interesting aspect brought to the exercise was the participation of a batch of Bhutanese students who are undergoing a six month long training at Garden City College. The common factor in their response was the great feeling - to come to a distant city and be involved in an environmental exercise.

“We have been involved in such activities back home but this is special. Contributing to the environment in a distant place is not something you get the chance to be involved in all the time,” they echoed.

As for the choice of the lake, the organizers felt that the land being close to where concrete structures are on the upsurge, the message would perhaps reach out. “We have selected only trees that provide shade and can contribute to the reclamation of this lake which is drying out.”

“I do hope with these fruit bearing trees, the birds and all the other animals will find something to come back to,” added Raj of Radio Mirchi, the media partner.

Other pragrammes planned include distribution of sapling across the city, planting of saplings in public space besides organizing discussions and awareness on environment.”