Pune: Prakriti Abhiyan Celebrates One Year With Green Drive, Eyes Urban Forest Project On Mahalunge Hills

Pune, June 11, 2025 – Prakriti Abhiyan, a community-led environmental initiative in Mahalunge township, marked its first anniversary with an enthusiastic plantation drive on June 8. Residents and volunteers gathered early to reaffirm their commitment to environmental conservation.

Preparations began on June 7, ensuring smooth execution of the plantation event. The following morning, Dr. Shripad Dhekane, CMO Mumbai, and Sagar Hole from the Forest Department arrived as chief guests to inaugurate the event and plant saplings, symbolizing the township’s dedication to greening efforts.

Ganesh Jadhav from Alpine Society introduced the dignitaries, while Satish Patange of VTP Leonara reflected on the group’s year-long journey—its achievements, challenges, and growing participation. Ganesh Jagdale announced an exciting collaboration with the Pune Forest Department to establish Mahalunge’s first urban forest. The proposed plan includes an internal road, boundary fencing, three rainwater harvesting ponds, and the planting of 15,000 trees. Mr. Hole shared that though the proposal may usually take six months, efforts are underway to fast-track it to three months with Dr. Dhekane’s .

Kanta Ghule and her yoga group shared insights from plantation site visits, and volunteers Rahul Konale and Sunny Jha from BelAir Society stressed the need for ongoing community to care for existing saplings.

Dr. Dhekane praised the township’s dedication to environmental causes in his closing speech. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Chaitanya, acknowledging the commitment of all involved.

The initiative continues to transform barren hills into green spaces while promoting sustainability and biodiversity.