Meet Senthil Kumar Murugan, a visionary environmentalist and the founder of Biotasoil, whose commitment to ecological restoration has left an indelible mark on more than 400 sustainable environmental projects. With a profound passion for safeguarding our planet, Senthil has dedicated his career to the restoration and rejuvenation of water bodies, forestry, waste management, check dams, and the eradication of invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora and hyacinths.
Senthil’s journey is a testament to his innovative approach and proven techniques in tackling environmental challenges. As a first-degree connection to the environment, Senthil Kumar Murugan has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the intricate balance between human activities and the natural world. In this upcoming interview, delve into the mind of a true eco-pioneer as Senthil shares his insights and the ingenious methods employed in his myriad projects and experiences he gained at Triguna Country Homes.
1. What is Biotasoil? What convinced you of the global necessity for an organization like Biotasoil, and what solutions are you providing the world?
Biotasoil Foundation, an NGO dedicated to afforestation and the development of self-sustaining forest ecosystems, is deeply concerned about the rapid global changes driven by urbanization and development.
Well, you see, the issue we’re dealing with is quite pressing. Urbanization and deforestation have taken a toll on our environment. Our once pristine water bodies now suffer from pollution, while traditional wells have given way to deep boreholes, leading to a troubling drop in water levels, with depths reaching 1000 to 1500 feet. This situation motivates us to ponder, “How can we positively impact our community and the planet?”
At Biotasoil, our approach involves promoting reusing, waste reduction, and recycling as part of the solution. With a team of professionals boasting over 50 combined years of experience in creating and sustaining Miyawaki forests and implementing scientific rainwater harvesting, we’re dedicated to taking these small but meaningful steps towards a better future.
2. Tell us something about the Green partnership between Biotasoil and Triguna Country Homes? From your perspective, What stands out as the most valuable ‘Green’ feature of Triguna Country Homes ?
Our partnership with Triguna Country Homes has been quite an experience. What sets them apart is their dedication to greenery. It’s not just a marketing strategy; it’s a genuine love for nature that starts right from the top management. They prioritize greenery in their projects and they’re unwavering in their commitment to quality. They value our recommendations and concepts, sharing insights they gather from various sources. We work together on the plant varieties, species, and the number of trees, aiming for a unique green cover. It’s all about that shared goal. And hence Triguna Country Homes is truly our Green Partner. Yeah, of course.
One incident I want to highlight.the Supreme Court once fined a person for cutting a single tree, setting the value at Rs 74,500. Triguna Country Homes, on the other hand, provides nearly 470 trees per plot. You can imagine the substantial value they deliver to their customers, worth millions of rupees. It’s quite a remarkable commitment.
3. Tell us about the latest global advancements in green belt implementation technologies?
You know, back in the day, all the planting and stuff was pretty manual, but things have changed a lot. Now we’ve got machinery and technology helping us out. For soil enrichment, we use JCBs, and for planting, there are cool machines like augers. When it comes to irrigation, we’ve got drips, venturi, and sprinklers. It’s interesting, though, ’cause sometimes you have to choose between cheaper and better results. Like, drip irrigation is cheaper, but sprinklers maintain a microclimate closer to the ground, so they’re pricier but give better results. We’re all about delivering quality, so we go for sprinklers.
We’ve also used technology for transplantation, with hydraulic lifts, JCBs, and bio-microorganisms. While relocating a tree, it’s a bit like taking care of a human body. Initially, we trim the side branches to prevent photosynthesis. We’re careful to make the cuts smoothly without causing any harm. To do this, we use the right machinery and tools, such as cutting and pruning tools. It’s like giving the tree a little medical attention. We apply bio microorganisms to the cut branches to prevent further damage. At the root level, we add humic, fulvic, and vam along with bio fertilizers to stimulate root growth, ensuring the tree thrives in its new location. It’s all about taking care of nature like we would ourselves.
4. Environmental restoration is pivotal for Biotasoil. What obstacles do you encounter in this sacred endeavor, and what strategies do you employ to overcome them?
I think, one big hurdle we face is that many people think the world’s here just for humans, but that’s not true. It’s a shared space for all living beings. It’s not about labeling folks as good or bad, it’s more about knowledge and awareness. Blame doesn’t help; it’s our job to provide the right information and understanding. When people get it, they usually do the right thing. Parents aim to secure their kids’ future, but they often forget about the environment. They should leave something good for the coming generations. Education is key; we talk about the importance of plants and sustainable methods when planting and encourage volunteers. It’s about changing people’s perceptions and fostering responsibility. That’s our strategy, and it’s been pretty successful.
5. As a devoted guardian of nature and a proactive advocate for green belt implementation, what recommendation would you like to share with farmland owners?
As per our understanding, a lot of farmland owners share a deep love for nature, and that’s what drew them to their land. They’re incredibly aware and passionate about greenery. It’s not about telling them what to do; it’s more like a humble request. Most of them already have eco-friendly construction practices, but I’d like to encourage sustainable habits, like waste management for backyard farming and using less energy. There are techniques, not just high-tech stuff, that can make a big difference. Take mulching, for example; it reduces water use, prevents weed growth, and fosters soil microbe development, which is like a boost for plant growth. So, it’s not just a recommendation, but a heartfelt request to consider these practices for a greener future.