MARGAO: Savio Vales, a resident of Seraulim, has taken a remarkable initiative to transform a garbage-strewn roadside area into a picturesque spot by planting flowering plants. His effort not only beautifies the surroundings but also serves as a positive example of community engagement and environmental stewardship.
In Seraulim, people had been regularly discarding garbage, diapers, and beer bottles along the roadside. Tired of constant clean-ups, Vales took a proactive approach in August 2022 by planting shrubs in the area. This initiative has earned him appreciation from the public for his proactive efforts in resolving the longstanding garbage issue.
Vales’ dedication to beautifying the once litter-strewn roadside area has transformed the environment and earned him recognition as a community leader committed to improving local living conditions.
Speaking to reporters, Vales shared that the area he revitalised with flowering plants has now become a popular spot for taking selfies and filming videos. What was once a location marred by garbage and litter has been transformed into an attractive and visually appealing destination.
“When I returned to my hometown from Dubai after retirement, I noticed that the road had been widened. Unfortunately, debris had been dumped on the roadside, and overgrown bushes had turned the area into a dumping site for garbage,” Vales stated. “I took it upon myself to clean up the area, but despite my efforts, people continued to dump waste here,” he added.
With the help of his wife, Vales began planting flowering plants in the area. Initially, they watered the plants by carrying buckets, and later they arranged for water tankers to facilitate the process. As time progressed, they found alternate solutions, including utilising water from a nearby well, with a friend donating pipes for drip irrigation.
“There are nearly 234 flowering plants on the roadside, which have transformed what was once a garbage dumping spot into a beautiful site,” said Vales
