8 lakh trees planted under Green Kumbh initiative

NASHIK: As part of the district administration’s Green Kumbh initiative, citizens, educational institutions, environment groups and social organizations, along with employees of various government offices, came together on Wednesday to plant over 8,50,447 lakh trees in the district. A cleanliness drives were also carried out.
Guardian and water resources minister Girish Mahajan, WRD secretary Prabhakar Deshmukh, Magsaysay Award winner and India’s waterman Rajendra Singh, MLAs Devyani Pharande and Seema Hiray, revenue commissioner Eknath Davle, district collector Deependrasingh Kushwah, municipal commissioner Praveen Gedam and police commissioner S Jagannathan were some of the prominent names present during the drive.
Citizens, students and activists participated in large numbers in the plantation drive that began at the Golf Club Ground at 7.30 am.
“An overwhelming response was registered for the tree plantation and cleanliness drives organised by the government officials. Citizens should be consistent with their initiative towards conservation of nature. They should contribute to the city’s cleanliness as part of their day-to-day life,” said Mahajan during the inaugural function at the Golf Club Ground.
He said the oath of cleanliness should not be limited to the cleanliness campaigns alone but should be practised every day.
“Plastic waste causes lot of problems for the environment as it does not get decomposed. Polythene bags strewn in the open do not let water percolate into the earth. This affects the quality of the land as well. People should avoid using plastic and also discourage others from throwing plastic,” said Mahajan.
Addressing the students at Raviwar Karanja, Mahajan asked them to spread the message of a plastic-free city in every household.
Rajendra Singh said, “A huge religious congregation is taking place in Nashik and the administration is trying its best to curb river pollution. This is the reason I’m starting the ‘World Water Peace Walk’ from here. Thousands of trees are being planted to increase the green cover. Similarly, Jalyukta Shivar will help in conserving and rejuvenating the rivers.”
Tree plantation drives were carried out at various colleges, schools, the Super specialty Hospital, Adgaon Naka, Sayyed Pimpri, Belgaon Dhaga, Ghoti, Bangdi mountain on Trimbakeshwar Road and other places by the students.