Two Friends Transform Drought-Affected Village with 5,000 Tree Houses In PuneÂ
Two Friends Transform Drought-Affected Village with 5,000 Tree Houses In Pune
Chetna Raja
In an inspiring tale of environmental stewardship, two friends from Baramati, Pune, have taken a giant leap towards ecological conservation by planting around 5,000 trees in the drought-affected Undwadi Kadepathar village. Sameer Bankar and Sagar Jadhav, passionate environmentalists, have transformed this village into a thriving green zone, earning widespread appreciation for their efforts.
The duo’s initiative began in 2021 under the banner of their foundation, ‘Karya Heech Olakh Foundation’. Their mission was simple yet ambitious: to combat environmental degradation and create a habitat conducive to both wildlife and local communities. They chose maalraan (grassland) to establish their ‘tree houses’, aiming to revitalize the barren land with lush greenery.
Their plantation includes a diverse mix of about 120 species, such as lemon, bor, jambhul, guava, chiku, amla, palas, and mango. These efforts have not only beautified the landscape but also created a sustainable ecosystem. Additionally, they have constructed eight artificial lakes, further supporting the local wildlife. The presence of these lakes has attracted various animals to the area, enhancing biodiversity.
One of the notable aspects of their project is the establishment of a bird breeding section. This initiative focuses on providing natural food sources for butterflies and bees, thereby increasing the bird population. The ‘tree houses’ serve as perfect nesting sites, offering a haven for avian species.
Water conservation has been another critical component of their project. Through community efforts and ‘Shramdan’ (voluntary labor), they have built a water storage area with a capacity of 1 lakh liters. This initiative has received substantial support from the villagers, who have actively participated in the conservation activities over the past three years.
Sameer Bankar shared with Pune Pulse that their journey began with the simple act of gifting crops during birthdays and weddings. However, they soon realized that many of these crops couldn’t survive due to the infertile soil. This challenge led them to Undwadi, where they successfully planted around 5,000 trees, turning their vision of a green revolution into reality.
The efforts of Sameer and Sagar highlight the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. Their story is a testament to how dedicated individuals can make a significant impact, fostering a greener and more sustainable future for all.
