Nashik: 55,000 Indigenous Trees Planted At Saptashrungi Fort Under Jai Hind Lok Movement

Under the guidance of former minister Balasaheb Thorat and former MLC Dr. Sudhir Tambe, an impressive initiative has been undertaken to plant 55,000 indigenous trees at Saptashrungi Fort, one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra. This environmental service has been offered to Saptashrungi Mata on behalf of the Jai Hind Lok Movement during the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

In collaboration with the Maharashtra Government, Nashik SMBT Sevabhavi Trust, Gram Panchayat, and Jai Hind Lok Chalaval, around 55,000 indigenous trees have been planted at the fort located in Vani. Saptashrungi Fort draws a large crowd of devotees every year, with lakhs visiting for darshan during Navratri. To enrich this hilly area with greenery and promote environmental sustainability, Jai Hind Lok Chalaval spearheaded this large-scale tree plantation drive.

The responsibility for the upkeep of these trees has been entrusted to the SMBT Sevabhavi Trust. The plantation includes a variety of species such as pipal, umber, lemon, vad, as well as medicinal plants, carefully selected to suit the local ecosystem.

The Maharashtra Government Forest Department and Jai Hind Lok Movement have coordinated the scientific planting of these trees by digging trenches on all four sides of Saptashrungi Fort. To ensure adequate water supply, drip irrigation systems have been installed. Additionally, tree guards have been appointed through charitable efforts to safeguard the young plants. The Gram Panchayat has also extended significant cooperation throughout this endeavour.

Principal Dashrath Varpe, Coordinator of the Dandakaranya Abhiyan, highlighted the involvement of local citizens in planting and maintaining the trees, stating that this collective effort will greatly enhance the greenery of the region within the next two to three years.

Dr. Sudhir Tambe, Founder and Former MLC of Jai Hind, reflected on the historical roots of this movement, saying, “Freedom fighter Sahakar Maharshi Bhausaheb Thorat initiated the Dandakaranya Abhiyan, an environmental movement dedicated to protecting the living world. Under this campaign, crores of seeds have been sown on the barren hills of Sangamner taluka, resulting in the planting of lakhs of trees and a significant increase in the area’s greenery.”

He added, “Under the leadership of former minister Balasaheb Thorat, the environmental movement has expanded from the Sahyadri to the Satpura ranges. The recent tree plantation at Saptashrungi Fort, carried out under the initiative of SMBT Sevabhavi Trust, is a testament to this continued commitment.”

This collaborative effort beautifully blends cultural reverence with ecological responsibility, ensuring that the sacred landscape of Saptashrungi remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-55000-indigenous-trees-planted-at-saptashrungi-fort-under-jai-hind-lok-movement