Mumbai : The sprawling 240 acres of the University of Mumbai’s Kalina campus, which is rich in long and green grass, has caught the attention of social workers. After the university’s appeal to take away green fodder for animals in drought-affected regions, it has been getting calls from social workers and district authorities.
University authorities confirmed that they have already sent two trucks full of green grass to animal camps in Beed — one of the drought-affected districts in Marathwada. The university has still stock to fill at least 20 trucks this month and an average of five trucks every month till March next year.
This idea was the brainchild of university Garden Superintendent SY Dalvi. Earlier, the university used to sell off the grass to local contractors. However, considering the drought in the Marathwada, he proposed to donate the fodder.
University of Mumbai Vice Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh also appreciated the idea and asked his team to coordinate with district authorities in drought-affected areas as well as social workers to take away the grass.
Talking to Free Press Journal, Dalvi said: “We have ample green grass in the Kalina campus. One-third of the 240 acres is open and covered with grass. This year, with the ample sunlight during monsoon, the wild grass has grown 10 feet long.”
“We are in talks with social workers and district authorities. We have assured them that the university will give them free grass. In addition to that, our labourers will help them cut the grass and load it in vehicles. What they have to do is bear the transport charges without the toll charges as that has been waived off for animal fodder on request.”
Dr Kothari, a social worker, voluntarily bore the charges of one ferry of truck sent to Marathwada. The university has sent another truck full of grass to Beed district.
University of Mumbai Registrar Dr MA Khan said: “Normally, we get grass till December-January. If there is any more rain like today’s (Friday), the grass will grow till next February or March. The university has decided to give it free of cost to authentic organisations. We appeal to social workers and district authorities to take away the grass.”
Vishnudas Sheshrao
