Kerala: 77-year-old retired doctor turns Adimaly green by planting trees

Idukki: A 77-year old retired doctor K Sudheendran from Adimaly is a real-life hero that many should look up to. In order to protect the environment, he has been planting trees for 36 years providing fresh air to the locals and a resting place for both the birds and the passersby. 

The small act has made him popular in the area and many locals look up to him. He was also an excellent doctor. If anytime the government cuts down the trees, he will again plant the trees and the cycle repeats. He never complained about the damage and instead tried to plant more trees in the area.

Now, the area is an amazing place to gaze at and have peace in the eyes. He has till now planted thousands of trees along the NH 85 in the Adimaly area. He not only just loves to plant trees but also gifts saplings to any visitors.

Also read- Mumbai: Actor Sayaji Shinde Criticizes Plan To Cut 158 Trees To Build Hostel At Sion Hospital

Meanwhile, he nurtures the trees for a while at his property before planting them along the roadway to see if they can adjust to the climate in the Idukki highlands.

TNIE reports that Dr K Sudheendran said "I plant trees because they are essential to sustain life on earth and to maintain ecological balance. Human activities have caused huge damage to mother nature. I'm only putting in a small effort to save her from further degradation."

The plants that he planted include cassia rose, jacaranda, Terminalia paniculata (maruth) and bauhinia veriegata (mandaram) and many mote. He collects saplings from around the world and plants them near the highway. Giving extra love and care, he also waters them himself regularly.

Also read- Living Near Trees May Prevent Vascular Damage From Pollution

According to Sudheendran's friend, Sethu K Mangattu, "Even when some of the trees were chopped down by local residents and saplings damaged by miscreants, he went on planting more saplings. He never got into any vicious arguments with anybody."