A large-scale tree plantation drive aimed at promoting environmental conservation and ecological awareness was organised at Adai Hill in Panvel in the presence of BJP Maharashtra State Secretary and MLA Prashant Thakur.
Addressing participants during the programme, Thakur appealed to citizens to take a pledge to plant and nurture at least one tree every year, stating that public participation is essential for preserving ecological balance and protecting the environment for future generations.
He noted that the importance of afforestation has increased in the backdrop of rising pollution levels, climate change concerns and declining green cover, and stressed that environmental conservation requires sustained community involvement.
Decade-long afforestation efforts on Adai Hill
Organisers informed that tree plantation and conservation activities have been carried out continuously for the past 12 to 13 years on forest department land at Adai Hill through the efforts of various voluntary organisations and environmental groups.
During this period, more than 10,000 trees have reportedly been planted and nurtured with the support of volunteers and local residents.
To support watering requirements for the saplings, two small check dams have been constructed through public contributions from local residents. However, environmental volunteers informed the MLA that the existing structures are insufficient to meet growing water requirements and requested the construction of two additional check dams after removal of accumulated debris in the upper sections of the hill.
According to environmental groups, increasing water storage capacity would provide a major boost to tree conservation efforts in the area.
Demand for support to prevent forest fires
Environmental volunteers also sought government support for measures aimed at controlling seasonal fires that occur on the hill after the monsoon season, along with assistance for fire prevention and long-term conservation activities.
Responding to the suggestions, Thakur reiterated that tree plantation should not be viewed as a one-day exercise but as a long-term investment for future generations.
He once again urged citizens to adopt and care for at least one tree every year and highlighted the important role played by trees in addressing pollution, climate change and biodiversity conservation.
During the programme, Panvel Panchayat Samiti Deputy Chairman Bhupendra Patil welcomed MLA Prashant Thakur by presenting him with a sapling.
Participation from environmental groups and local organisations
The event witnessed participation from several environmental groups, local organisations and residents, including Panvel Trackers, Adai Hill Hirwai Group, Adai Hill Tree Plantation and Conservation Group, Panvel Agri-Koli Doctors Association, Sanvedana Charitable Trust, Adai Gramstha Mandal and Bhajani Mandal.
Among those present on the occasion were Arun Rokde, Laxman Talekar, Uttam Dhebe, Dr Krishna Desai, Kisan Borate, Nagesh Hirve, Atul Potdar, former sarpanch Mahadu Shelke, Mangesh Bhopi, Rajesh Kakade, Nitin Waghmare, Vijay Hatiskar, Avinash Mind, Janardan Patil, Shrichand Bhandari, Rohit Patil, Kiran Shelke, Vilas Shelke, Dnyaneshwar Patil and Suraj Mhatre, along with hundreds of environmental volunteers and local residents.
