Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 14: The three acre land, behind Mangala stadium, which was filled with garbage and was a den for liquor and ganja addicts, is turned into a beautiful garden, the flowers on which sit colourful butterflies that soothe the eyes of the onlookers.

More than 6000 fruit, medicinal and flower plants are occupying the three acres area now. Butterflies that come in groups are a treat to watch.

Representational image

The people who turned the garbage dump area into an awesome butterfly garden are Raviraj Shetty and M D Sreekumar. Every day they work for two hours in the garden and clean it by removing dried leaves. They also bring plants from home and their native place. Manure is brought from their personal funds. They never boast of what they have done. Instead they work like silent warriors for the environment.

Many elderly people, women and children come to this park for walking. They feel happy when they look at the various flowers and fruit plants. Children run around the butterflies as they fly from one flower to another. Sometimes even peacocks arrive in this garden.

These environmentalists say that Mangaluru City Corporation and officials of Mangala Stadium do not provide water for plants during summer. Many times they appealed but they have fallen on deaf ears. Raviraj and Sreekumar say that if someone provides water during summer it will be very helpful in maintaining the garden.

Raviraj and Sreekumar, environmental lovers say, “Four years ago no one used to come to this place due to the garbage that was being dumped here. When we first came to clean the area, many taunted us which we ignored. We took care of plants every day and that resulted in this beautiful park.”