Where there's a will, there's a way. Sukh Dukh Ke Sathi (SDKS) demonstrated just that by taking the initiative to water plants along Dwarka roads when authorities failed to do so.
Members of the social organisation, along with residents of sectors 22 and 23, carried water tanks in the boot of their cars, and used a small pump and a couple of pipes to water the plants along a stretch in Dwarka.
SS Mann, vice-president of SDKS and a resident of Sadbhavna Apartments, Sector 22, said, "Despite repeated reminders to DDA's horticulture department to save plants, no arrangements have been made to save the dying plants. So we had to show them how it's done."
SDKS members use their unique apparatus for watering roadside plants
Parminder Khetarpal, a member of the executive body of SDKS and a resident of New Kanchenjunga Apartments, Sector 23, was the first to instal a water tank and a pump in his car.
General secretary of SDKS and a resident of Chitrakoot Apartments, Sector 22, Prem Bihari Mishra, said, “We will set an example for the DDA. Earlier, we used to water the plants using buckets. With thanks to Khetrapal's brilliant idea, things have become a lot easier.”
DC Mathur, secretary of SDKS and instrumental in implementing the initiative, said, “The DDA's callous attitude has resulted in a number of withered plants across Dwarka. We will stick to sectors 22 and 23 for now, but will soon make it a regular affair. We will gradually start fanning out to other sectors in the sub-city, with the support of residents. We hope the DDA will realise the problem and act on it.”
Diwan Singh, a resident of Sector 22 and a member of Dwarka Water Bodies Committee, Yamuna Satyagraha and Ridge Bachao Andolan, said, “It is a superb initiative. I hope the authorities take notice and ensure that the plants are regularly watered, especially during these hot summer months.”
