Thane to Become a Green City, Says DCM Shinde
In a progressive push to transform Thane into a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has called on every student in the city to plant at least one tree and take responsibility for its care. This directive was announced during the inauguration of the 14th edition of Vrikshavalli-2025, a biodiversity exhibition organized by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) at Raymond Company ground on February 14.
Speaking at the event, Shinde emphasized the importance of large-scale tree planting in preserving nature and mitigating environmental challenges. He highlighted that last year, as part of the Chief Minister’s Green Campaign, TMC successfully planted 1.5 lakh trees. This year, the goal has been set to increase that number to 2 lakh, with plans for further expansion in the coming years. “We are committed to making Thane not only clean but also green. It is imperative that we all contribute to this cause. Students, in particular, must engage in this effort by planting and caring for trees,” said Shinde, urging local schools and educational institutions to participate actively in this initiative.
The Vrikshavalli-2025 exhibition, this year themed ‘Saptarang of Biodiversity’, features over 5,000 plants, including 200 varieties of flowers, fruit-bearing plants, trees, and medicinal species. Organised by the TMC, the event brings together 90 organizations showcasing a visual feast of flora, butterfly photography, and live nature paintings. Visitors can also experience engaging demonstrations such as tree climbing by experts and heritage tree trails. In addition to the exhibition, the TMC is focusing on several other green initiatives. Bamboo plantation, the development of oxygen parks, and lake beautification are key components of the city’s ongoing environmental efforts. Shinde also informed attendees that the restoration of Jogila Lake, which has reached 70% completion, will be prioritized in the upcoming months to fully rejuvenate the lake.
This year’s exhibition has attracted substantial participation, with 40 stalls featuring horticultural products, including bamboo-based items, vegetables grown through natural fertilizers, and products related to hydroponics technology. The exhibition, which runs through the weekend, will culminate in a prize distribution ceremony for various competitions organized around the theme of Vrikshavalli-2025. The call for students to plant trees is part of a larger, citywide effort to bring environmental awareness and action to the forefront. With Shinde’s directive, Thane’s push towards becoming a green city is not only a governmental effort but one that enlists the participation of every resident, particularly its younger generation.
