Successful Completion of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' Afforestation Drive in Jalgaon

Afforestation Initiative in Jalgaon

Jalgaon (Maharashtra) [India], July 5: The second phase of the afforestation campaign, titled "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0," inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, has successfully wrapped up in Bhusawal, Jalgaon district.

Raksha Nikhil Khadse, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, spearheaded the event, which also saw the presence of Sanjay Savkare, the Maharashtra Minister of Textiles.

This afforestation effort was a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Jalgaon District Administration, and My Bharat, Jalgaon. Over 2,000 native saplings were planted by enthusiastic students and volunteers, according to a release.

Among the species planted were Kadu Badam, Tamarind, Neem, Amla, and Shisham, aimed at boosting local biodiversity and addressing environmental issues such as soil erosion, declining groundwater levels, and increasing temperatures due to insufficient forest cover.

During her address, Raksha Khadse highlighted the cultural and ecological significance of tree planting. She quoted the esteemed Saint Tukaram Maharaj, stating, "Vrukshavalli Aamha Soyare, He Vishwachi Maze Ghar" (Trees are our kin, this world is my home), and encouraged everyone to "Plant trees, save trees! Cultivate a life of joy!"

A notable aspect of this initiative was the enthusiastic participation of National Service Scheme (NSS) units from various educational institutions in Bhusawal, as mentioned in the release.

Participating institutions included P.O. Nahata College, P.K. Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Chaitanya Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Sakegaon, D.D.N. Bhole College, Godavari Nursing College, Industrial Training Institute, Biyani Military School, and Rajaram Dhondu Secondary Vidyalaya.

Their involvement played a crucial role in enhancing the region's green infrastructure and fostering community-led environmental initiatives.

"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" concluded with a renewed pledge towards sustainable living, climate action, and shared ecological responsibility, reinforcing the idea that honoring our mothers also means caring for Mother Earth.