The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), through its Tree Authority and Park Department, is spearheading a significant initiative. On the auspicious occasion of World Environment Day, a grand forest festival, Van Mahotsav, is set to be inaugurated at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Park on June 5, 2024. This annual celebration underscores Pune’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its green cover and fostering a culture of ecological stewardship among its residents.
Van Mahotsav, a festival dedicated to tree plantation and environmental awareness, promises to be a noteworthy event this year. The highlight of the festival is the sale of seedlings of local tree species at highly subsidised rates, aimed at encouraging widespread participation in tree planting activities. From June 5 to August 14, 2024, citizens can procure these seedlings, which are one to one and a half feet tall, for a nominal price of Rs 5. This initiative is meticulously planned to ensure accessibility and convenience, with the sale timings set from 8 AM to 4 PM, excluding holidays.
The festival will be formally inaugurated at 11 AM on June 5 by the Honourable Municipal Commissioner and Administrator of PMC. This event is more than just a tree planting drive; it is a clarion call to all Punekars to actively engage in environmental conservation. By making tree planting an inclusive and community-driven activity, PMC aims to significantly enhance the city’s green cover, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
The initiative reflects PMC’s strategic vision of integrating environmental sustainability into urban planning. By promoting the plantation of indigenous species, the programme not only aims to increase the green cover but also to preserve the local biodiversity. The choice of native species is crucial, as they are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring higher survival rates and ecological balance.
This year’s Van Mahotsav is poised to be a landmark event in Pune’s environmental calendar. The subsidised sale of saplings is expected to attract a large number of citizens, fostering a collective effort towards creating a greener Pune. The involvement of the municipal administration underscores the importance of governmental support in driving environmental initiatives.
Van Mahotsav 2024 is a commendable step by PMC towards fostering a greener and more sustainable Pune. It calls upon every citizen to participate actively, thus ensuring the success of this noble endeavour. By planting trees, Punekars are not just contributing to the environment but also securing a healthier future for the generations to come.
