Kranti Din: Unique Campaign Against Invasive Foreign Plants Celebrated At Taljai In Pune
Kranti Din: Unique Campaign Against Invasive Foreign Plants Celebrated At Taljai In Pune
August 9 is celebrated across the country as Kranti Din (Revolution Day). On this day, the slogan “Chale Jao” was given against the British government. This day is significant as the August Revolution brought the struggle for the country’s independence to a decisive stage. To mark this special day, a unique event was organized under the Movement Against Biological Invasion (MABI), Biospheres, Modern College – Ganeshkhind, New English School, Ramanbagh-Pune, MYESA Foundation-Pune, Pune Municipal Corporation’s Garden Department, Life Tree Nature Foundation, and other service-oriented, educational, research, and governmental institutions.
On Friday, August 9, 2024 (Nag Panchami), a symbolic campaign to eradicate the invasive foreign weed *Cosmos sulphureus*, a Mexican invasive plant, was held in the Taljai, Pachgaon-Parvati forest area. The event aimed to raise awareness about invasive foreign weeds and environmental literacy. The importance of eradicating plants like Cosmos, Dhanura (Carrot Grass), Ranmari, Tantani (Dirty Grass), Undirmari, Subabhul (actually Kubabhul), Chimuk Kata, and others was highlighted, with the slogan “Chale Jao” being echoed. All present green warriors took a collective oath against biological invasions (MABI Oath). Slogans such as “Remove Weeds – Save Forests; Remove Weeds – Enhance Forests; Remove Weeds – Save Agricultural Wealth; Remove Weeds – Save Cattle” were also raised. The campaign emphasized “Weed-Free India, Clean India” and the need to promote local native plants while removing invasive foreign species.
Participants included local citizens, nature enthusiasts, green activists, representatives of various service organizations, and students from New English School, Ramanbagh, Pune. The organization and crucial roles were carried out by Dr. Sachin Punekar, Prof. Hemant Pathak, Dr. Prachi Kshirsagar, Sayali Saudankar, Chaitali Kshirsagar, and Sanjay Parodkar.
Just as the founders of Hindavi Swarajya, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his warriors, defended against foreign invasions to establish Swarajya, and as Indians fought against the British government on this day in the struggle for independence, today, our forests and green spaces are rapidly diminishing due to invasive foreign weeds. This, in turn, adversely affects the ecosystem and human life. Given the current environmental emergency, it is imperative to address the invasion of foreign (invasive) biological elements. Hence, the need for a unique campaign like “Chale Jao” against these biological invasions.
In short, this campaign aims to raise awareness about biological invasions. Considering the environmental, economic, and health risks posed by invasive weeds (plants and animals), this innovative environmental movement should evolve into a public movement. MABI’s initiatives should be continuously organized nationwide, statewide, citywide, village-wide, ward-wise, and in protected wildlife areas. Effective government policies should address invasive foreign elements, and public participation is essential for their complete eradication from our nation. Through MABI, the message of a weed-free India, and a clean India should be promoted. This event was organized to mark the Global Ecosystem Revival Decade and August Revolution Day.
