Background : In 2001 I assumed charge of municipal commissioner, Bhainsa. At that time priority was given to tree plantation Government. However, Bhainsa was located in the rain shadow region. Rainfall is comparitively less . People use to depend on the ground water.At that time, suddhavagu (Gaddenna project) was not constructed.There was need to take up plantation.I have brought 10,000 saplings from the forest department and got it planted in various places. But ,sustaining was low due to the absence of protection arrangements. Hence, re-thinked the strategy to have the plantation in protected places or to arrange protection involving people .
Activity: In 2002-03 ,there were more rain fall than expected. It inundated some houses near the busstand in Bhainsa. The water coming from the Narasimha swamy hill was causing problems. Chairperson sri.Jabeer Ahmed was very active person and he receives most of the grievance complaints, though I receive the written complints. In his absence for some days, people directly approached me.I thought it would cost one or two lakh Rupees (then estimated cost).I thought to get it done from Betterment Charges.
I started negotiating with them asking them to contribute for the plantation. After the indepth discussion I requested them to establish the mini park in front of their houses . They have readily agreed for the establishment of mini park in front of their house, duly placing mesh for protecting the plants.
The drain was constructed by Bhainsa municipality .The consequent action of Establishment of the mini park was pending. Again I have to persue with Dr.Raji Reddy, who stood in the forefront to assure the establishment of the mini park.Consequently, he took it very seriously and requested other members to co-operate.
The work of Establishment of the mini park was started.The problem of water has surfaced. I talked to the doctors near by Government hospital. Dr.Kashinath has readily agreed for the propsals and said it would bring beauty to their hospital also.
In that way the initial task of establishment of the mini park was completed.The mini park is on the way to Narasimha swamy kalyana mandapam, where all the important functions and meetings use to take place, at that time. It attracted the attention of the important people of the Bhainsa. Later, another homeopathy doctor extended the mesh and planted saplings.Importantly, the watering and maintainence was looked after by Dr.Raji Reddy. I extended thanks to him many times.
Thus, slowly it paved the way for Establishment of mini parks infront of their Industries and houses.It was estimated that around 75 persons established mini parks in such a way.
Outcomes:
1.It increased the greenary and beautified the town of Bhainsa, while protecting the environment.
2 . encroachments to certain extent was controlled.
3.Increased the public participation in Government programmes.
4.It brought happiness to the Government officials.
Irony: Over a period of time, the mantle of commissioner has passed to different person and the mini park was removed. It pained me and other people of the town.
Wish: Again Sri.Jabeer Ahmed is the vice chairman, who is important person.I want to request him to allow again to establish the mini park at same place.
Lesson: An initiative can be implemented by taking a lot of time.But, same can be destroyed or discontinued in minutes or in days.
