Efficiency in watering, Boating, Cabin in progress

Today, Prasanna and Padmini, with lots of local help, set up an experiment for efficient watering for saplings at the lake.

Tubes (reused mineral water bottles actually) were put into the earth so that the water poured for the plant reaches the roots directly. After that, mulch (wood pieces) were placed around the stem to keep the water 'in' for longer periods of time. 

Just before this was started, we found someone 'boating', on a lorry tube, cheered by his friends. We thought he was after the birds but it seems he was fishing. He had caught one large tilapia. It seems that the water depth is 6-10 feet.

The foundation of the security cabin at the lake entrance was completed today. The cabin should be ready in a couple of weeks.

'Charitable Trust' status received

PNLIT received the status of 'Charitable Trust' from the Income Tax Department vide a certificate dated 11-Feb-2011. 

Registration u/s 12AA of the I.T. Act 1961 has been granted w.e.f. Assessment Year 2011-2012 in the status of Charitable Trust, at No. DIT(E)BLR/12AA/P-429/AABTP7792D/ITO(E)/Vol 2010-11. Therefore, subject to the fulfillment of conditions laid down in sections 11 to 13 of the I.T. Act 1961, the trust is eligible for income tax exemption. 

Update on happenings at the lake - Feb-11

Pictures taken on 7-Feb-11

Phase 2 that began on 27-Jan-11 is progressing well. Inner fencing and railing work is currently on. There was an adventure on one of the nights when some miscreants tried to pull out the iron pillars. They actually succeeded in taking away 2 of them. After that the contractor has been more careful.  

Our gardener Venkata Reddy took off to his village on 1-Feb. With no rains and hot days, watering the plants is essential. Raghavendra is a temporary hand - till our gardener comes back or we find someone else. He says he is in Bangalore with his parents and will be doing odd jobs till they go back to the village - where he says he goes to school. 

       

Bougainvillea stalks were planted along the fencing in end Oct - early Nov. The orange ones are in bloom.

At the water's edge. The water has receded. The periphery is quite like the fertile plains. We are considering de-weeding whatever is possible when the lake is dry.

Cherry tomatoes collected from the lake bund. That's why we say 'fertile' plains!

'Inlets' to the lake is a main concern. Efforts are on to check sewage from entering the lake, while trying to get the storm water drains connected before the next monsoons.  

More pics here