In the modern era, deforestation has also increased along with the needs. Therefore, conservation of forests is the biggest challenge facing people concerned about the environment at this time. But, Sakshi Bhardwaj, a resident of Bhopal, has created a mini forest at her home to save the forests. Here he has planted about 4,000 trees of 450 species in a space of only 800 square feet. He has named his small forest ‘Jungle Voss’, the purpose of which is to tell people that it is not necessary to have a big space to do gardening. Any corner of the house can be converted into a green corner.
Sakshi, resident of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is an assistant professor at Mansarovar Global University. She tells Outlook that her small forest is completely biodegradable. From the fertilizer to be put in the soil to the pots to grow them, she prepares everything from the waste material of her house. Sakshi also produces compost from kitchen waste, small plants from fruits and vegetable seeds and bio-enzymes.
Reuse of coconut shell
There are 450 species of plants in this forest. Out of which 150 are rare species of plants. Which have been procured from outside the country like Indonesia, Florida, Canada, Amazon forests. Sakshi has planted those plants in coconut shells. She says, “These coconut shells act as strong pots for the plants. Apart from this, due to the abundance of moisture in the shell, they do not need to water the plants frequently and change the soil. It is more beneficial to plant small plants in shells instead of pots. This shell can also be composted. It is completely eco-friendly.”
50 trees by cutting one mango tree
Environment lover Sakshi started it two years ago in 2018. He got his inspiration for this from his mother. Initially Sakshi started reusing the plastic bottles kept at home. Sakshi says, “Vegetables, fruits, herbs etc. types of plants have been grown in this forest. Some of them require certain temperature, like dragon fruit, betel leaves, apricots which are growing very well. During the last lockdown, 50 trees were planted by cutting a common tree, which are now more than 4 feet tall.”
She also gives people information about new methods through workshops.
Sakshi also runs her own workshop regarding this. She says, “The forest established at home is completely bio-sustainable and biodegradable, which does not cause any harm to the earth.” Sakshi also gives online workshops and training programs to make others aware about it. In which she teaches people new methods of plantation. Sakshi says, “The plant community in the country is very good and big.”
Sakshi’s love for trees
Apart from this, Sakshi also sells these rare plants in many corners of the country. For this, he has also created a page of his “Jungle Voss” on social media through which people get information and also place orders. These plants mostly go to places like South India, Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal etc. Lakhs of people are being affected by this new way of witnessing. She says, “I am very fond of trees. If someone tells me that he is crazy, then I will say that yes, I am very mad for trees.”