A scenic ‘Eco-Friendly Trek’ from Dhodani to Matheran was held with enthusiastic participation from citizens, youth, women and nature enthusiasts, with BJP Maharashtra Pradesh Secretary and MLA Prashant Thakur joining the participants for the trek.
Set against the backdrop of lush green hills, forested landscapes and pleasant monsoon weather, the trek offered participants an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and spend time in nature while promoting fitness, a healthy lifestyle and environmental awareness.
The trek began in the morning from Shri Ram Mandir near Dhodani bus stop. Participants proceeded along the mountainous route towards Matheran, passing through green hill ranges, forested stretches, ghat sections and scenic landscapes.
The initiative also sought to convey the message that physical fitness and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Participants were encouraged to enjoy nature while keeping the surroundings clean, avoiding litter and contributing to the conservation of the natural environment.
Prashant Thakur joins participants on the trail
A key feature of the event was MLA Prashant Thakur’s participation in the trek alongside citizens. He interacted with youth, women, residents and nature enthusiasts during the route and encouraged participants.
The organisers said the objective was to encourage citizens to take time away from their busy routines, connect with nature, prioritise physical fitness and recognise their responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Trek promotes fitness, adventure and community spirit
The young participants, in particular, displayed considerable enthusiasm while negotiating the uphill and downhill sections and navigating the mountain trails.
Beyond physical exercise, the trek highlighted the role of such activities in encouraging confidence, patience, adventure and team spirit. Citizens who participated with friends and family also took the opportunity to capture moments from the scenic route.
The arrival at the hilltop was marked by considerable enthusiasm among the participants, with the message ‘Enjoy nature, conserve nature’ forming a central theme of the activity.
Participants thank Prashant Thakur for organising the initiative
Participants expressed their appreciation to MLA Prashant Thakur for organising an activity that combined fitness, adventure and exposure to nature.
They said such initiatives can help bring people, particularly young people, closer to trekking, physical fitness and environmental conservation. Participants also appreciated Thakur’s decision to personally join the trek and interact with them along the route.
Environmental conservation remains a key message
The trek was presented not merely as a recreational activity but as an initiative aimed at creating greater awareness about environmental conservation.
Participants were encouraged to keep natural surroundings clean, refrain from disposing of waste along the trekking route and help preserve the region’s natural resources. The organisers emphasised that enjoying nature also comes with a responsibility to protect it.
Call for more nature-based fitness initiatives
Participants said regular trekking and similar outdoor activities could help promote exercise and strengthen awareness about environmental conservation. In an increasingly busy urban lifestyle, such initiatives can provide citizens with opportunities to connect with nature while pursuing healthier lifestyles.
The Dhodani-Matheran ‘Eco-Friendly Trek’ thus brought together fitness, adventure, nature appreciation and environmental awareness, with the participation of MLA Prashant Thakur and a large number of citizens making the event a memorable experience for those involved.
Among those who participated were BJP Raigad district president Avinash Koli, district general secretary Deepak Behre, former city president Jayant Pagade, Prabhag Samiti chairman Ravindra Bhagat, Adarsh Shikshan Sanstha chairman Dhanraj Vispute, city president and corporator Sumit Jhunjarrav, BJP Yuva Morcha district president Anand Dhawale, Kisan Morcha district president Sagar Sangade, OBC Morcha district president Rajesh Bhagat, city secretary Rupesh Nagvekar, Vishwajeet Patil, Anesh Dhawale, Yuva Morcha city president Himesh Bahira, Sarpanch Sitaram Chaudhary, Prashant Morbale, Ankush Patil, Satish Malusare, Nilesh Bhoir and Mangesh Pilvilkar, along with other office-bearers.
