In Nargund town, one of the most favored picnic spots is unexpectedly the local post office, transformed into a lush green mini-forest by dedicated postal staffer Maritimmappa Karigar. Since his posting in 2017, Karigar has turned the once bush-covered premises into a verdant oasis, attracting residents for their morning and evening walks.
Upon arriving, Karigar sought and received permission from his superior, Gadag Postal Superintendent K Basavaraju, to clean and green the space. With help from colleagues and the social forestry division, Karigar planted various saplings. Often using his own funds, and with additional support through crowd-funding for a pond, Karigar’s efforts flourished.
Karigar, originally from Asundi in Gadag district, is knowledgeable about plants and has participated in numerous awareness camps. Despite now being posted in Koppal, he continues to receive gratitude from the community for his contributions. The post office’s transformation has drawn admiration from many, including Mundargi Taluk Government School Principal Ravi Devareddy and environmental enthusiasts.
Mahesh Hanganakatti, a schoolteacher from Nargund, noted that the post office has become a favorite picnic spot, especially for children. School principal MS Nayak praised the initiative as a model for other government offices, emphasizing the importance of tree planting for future generations.
Karigar expressed his gratitude to all involved, highlighting the collective effort in creating this green space. The Nargund post office stands as a testament to how one individual’s initiative can significantly enhance the environment and community well-being.