#GreenPune: Together, We Can Make This Happen!

tree lined road, cycling, forest , green
Image used for representation only

Pune is among the few cities that can boast of a handful of highly committed individuals and organisations, that have devoted their time and energy to protect the environment.

Although there are companies (like loveplugs) who have an initiative to plant trees, there are very few cities that have the same initiative. Excitingly, Pune is now one of those few. The rising deforestation has been a matter of great concern and a 365 day approach to planting and managing trees is the way ahead, say city environmentalists. There are companies that exist these days that offer a full package of tree protection services, but for localities that don’t have much disposable income, it is possible for inhabitants to take on the challenge.

Today, on the occasion of The World Environment Day, we spoke to a few committed citizens who shared their views on the imminent need to increase Pune’s green cover.

P Kumar, Environmentalist says, “It is high time that people in the city understand the need to save the environment. With each passing day, it is getting tougher to fight pollution and global warming which is adversely affecting the present and future generations.

It is a matter of great concern that even after facing such climatic changes, citizens are doing little to protect the environment.

A couple of years back, we started an initative of planting trees on a barren piece of land which is now a beautiful lush green garden called Anandvan ( NIBM Road) and these kind of citizen initiatives can make the difference.

Anandvan

Spreading awareness among the students is important and I have personally educated over 30000 students on the need to plant trees. The education system should incorporate a monthly assignment to have students plant at least 2 trees a month.

If you teach the students, they’ll eventually go and encourage their parents and this will help create a lush green surrounding.

Citizen/Society Initiatives such as this tree plantation drive by members of the Gera Junction Condominium can make the difference

Planting is just one part of the process and it is equally important to check on the plants regularly, Kumar adds.

“Protecting the environment and saving the plant is synonymous with the preservation of trees, And we can save our planet only by growing trees, not growing houses,” says Deepak Salve, Environmentalist.

Citizens have already started experiencing the adverse impacts of environments, yet we do not see people making a conscious move towards creating a better city to live in.

The growing urban development has not only cost us the trees, but also depletion in the water table. Instead of planting trees, we should focus on the trees we have present in the environment. With growing urban development the land is taken up by tall buildings, instead of tall trees.

If you cant plant trees, protect trees, segregate your own waste and start composting.

It is hard to protect the environment when you’re so disconnected with it, Take time, understand the need and start working!

“Everyone is aware of the fact that trees reduce the carbon footprint and the air which we breath nowadays is toxic, says Tejaswini Dhotre,

We make sure that kids from our society plant trees and water them before they go to school or after they’re back.

We have also started teaching them the importance of segregation and composting which they’ll begin from this rainy season.

Tree plantation should be made mandatory by the government for every society once every four months. Educate your kids and they make better citizens than you, she adds.

Gaurav Salunkhe, This city was a green heaven for decades with pleasant weather throughout the year till the development started. The IT industry brought jobs into the city which led to urban development and concrete jungles took over the green.

Teaching the importance of saving trees at schools and colleges is mandatory. Constant awareness building will grab the attention of the youth.

Environment science must be taught at all levels, coupled with regular CSR initiatives by corporates to plant and safeguard trees. Companies should think of incentives to their staff for contributing to protecting the environment.

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Ankita Malekar