Nair advocates for diverse planting in forest development

Radhakrishna K. Nair, an industrialist turned green activist, argues against simply using a Japanese planting technique for forests. He emphasizes the importance of including local plants like shrubs, flowers, timber, and canopy trees to create biodiversity. Nair, 53, has established 121 urban forest patches across India, including a large project called Smriti Vana in Gujarat. At a recent event hosted by the Mangaluru Press Club, Nair shared details about Smriti Vana, which honors the 13,000 victims of the Gujarat earthquake. So far, 5.25 lakh saplings have been planted there. The area features 50 check dams and supports over 1,000 species of fish and 100 species of birds. Nair believes that protecting nature allows it to restore itself. His commitment to greening began in 2012 after he witnessed tree cutting in Gujarat, where he had moved to establish a garment export business. Nair has been instrumental in creating forest patches in various locations, including a chemical dumpyard in Mumbai. He is now working on his 122nd forest patch in Pali, Rajasthan. Nair noted the success of greening projects along the coasts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, stating that this approach can combat sea erosion in Mangaluru and other parts of Karnataka. Originally from Kerala, Nair’s family worked in agriculture. He continues to honor his roots by wearing a traditional cap made from arecanut leaves. After facing challenges in school, he moved to Mumbai and later became a successful businessman before fully dedicating himself to environmental efforts.