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How this ‘tree man’ from Kerala has planted over 20,000 trees in 26 years
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M. Shyamkumar under the trees he planted in Palakkad | Shyamkumar of Thenkurissi in Kerala is among Palakkad’s best-known environmental volunteers. He has planted more than 20,000 trees over two decades.An autorickshaw driver, he has also worked closely with birds and is credited by locals with helping save lives during emergencies.His work extends beyond Kerala, with trees planted in Puducherry, Kavaratti, Kochi and Thrissur and he is a regular presence in villages across Palakkad.Mr. Shyamkumar began planting trees while delivering newspapers on a bicycle. A magazine article comparing a tree to “10 virtuous sons” influenced him. “Planting trees is not a big thing, but nurturing them is,” he says. M. Shyamkumar planting a sapling along with some children. | He has also marked occasions with planting drives, including tributes to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His work along the Malampuzha canal between Kinassery and Navakkode, where rows of palmyra palms now stand, is among his key projects.To keep saplings alive, he uses simple drip irrigation with discarded bottles and water from ponds, including temple tanks. He protects plants with bamboo fencing. His autorickshaw carries saplings, seeds and tools, earning him the label of a “one-man green army.” The slogan “Maram oru varam” (a tree is a blessing) is written on it.He has provided 1,000 ungu trees for planting along the Palakkad-Pathirippala road and replanted a banyan at Koduvayur Siva Temple, which has grown into a large tree. His work also extends to Mangalavanam in Kochi, Puducherry and routes to Mookambika.He is often called for tree-planting in public and private spaces and has greened areas around schools, hospitals and institutions. At Calicut University Teacher Education Centre, Koduvayur, trees he planted in 2012 such as jamun, Indian beech, mandaram, thanni and rain tree now provide shade.His work includes pond restoration with volunteers, including cleaning Arabikkulam at Thasrak with National Service Scheme workers. He also follows up with officials to get potholes on PWD roads repaired.Bird water pointsMr. Shyamkumar maintains bird water points every summer. “Birds spread seeds. Unlike us, they do their work,” he says. “People plant trees on Environment Day and forget. Birds don’t.”His work has earned him awards, including recognition from the State Biodiversity Board, Vanamitra and Prakriti Mitra awards from the Forest department, the INTACH Anirudh Bhargava Award and the P.V. Thampi Memorial Award.Twenty-six years on, his routine remains the same: plant, protect and revisit. Published - June 05, 2026 10:25 am IST
Tree saplings planted in drums at Dholera in Gujarat. | The plantation project, funded by the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) and implemented by the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division of the Gujarat Forest Department, was launched in August 2025 to increase green cover in the area.According to forest officials, 3,200 saplings of 15 species were planted at Block No. 29 using plastic drums to protect roots from saline soil and prolonged waterlogging. Several saplings have reached heights of up to 12 feet within a year.Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division, Dr. Minal Jani said the area has high soil salinity, low carbon content and remains waterlogged for nearly six months each year, making plantation difficult.“There were major challenges before us. The soil had extremely high electro-conductivity, low carbon content and excessive salinity, while waterlogging lasted for nearly six months, making plant growth almost impossible. To overcome this, we adopted the drum plantation technique, where saplings are elevated and planted in drums filled with layers of sand, nutrient-rich soil, vermicompost, stubble and cocopeat,” she said.The drums were fitted with ventilation holes on both sides and embedded about one foot into the ground. DSIRDA supplied fresh water for irrigation, while a drip irrigation system was installed for all saplings.“We created ventilation holes on both sides of the drums and embedded them about one foot deep in the ground. DSIRDA provided sweet water, and a drip irrigation system was installed for all saplings. Today, nearly all the trees have survived, and some have even started bearing fruits, attracting pollinators and birds,” Dr. Jani said. Saplings of 15 species, including Pilu, neem and tamarind, have been planted. | Forest officials said survival rates have remained high and some trees have started bearing fruit. The area has also recorded the presence of pollinators, birds and naturally growing grass.“In areas where even grass could not grow earlier, we are now witnessing the presence of pollinators, birds and naturally growing grass due to improving soil conditions,” Dr. Jani said.Officials said the plastic drums used in the plantation process will eventually be removed and recycled.Following the results of the project, DSIRDA has allotted an additional 20 hectares for plantation. Authorities plan to plant around 50,000 more saplings using the drum plantation technique in the next phase.The project is part of efforts to increase green cover in Dholera, where industrial and infrastructure development is currently underway. Published - June 05, 2026 08:56 am IST
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