Vinay Kumar
NASHIK: Mission Green Monsoon received an enthusiastic response from citizens on Sunday, with around 6,000 saplings planted across the city under the Unnat Nashik Abhiyan and as part of preparations for the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela.Of the total plantation, 2,600 saplings were planted at Nashik Vanrai’s Peacock Garden in Mhasrul, while another 3,400 saplings were planted at Grape County Resort on Trimbak Road.Addressing participants during the plantation drive, Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan stressed the importance of large-scale afforestation to combat rising temperatures, climate change and the impact of El Nino. He urged citizens to turn the campaign into a mass movement and actively contribute to making Nashik greener.“Planting trees alone is not enough. Citizens must also take responsibility for nurturing and protecting them. The success of Mission Green Monsoon will depend on the survival and growth of the one lakh saplings proposed under the campaign,” Mahajan said.The campaign, launched on June 28, will continue until Oct. 25, with plantation drives scheduled every Sunday during the monsoon.At Grape County Resort, Mahajan praised the tree plantation model developed by the Chavan family, describing it as an example that other institutions and organisations could emulate. He also planted a sapling at the venue and lauded the efforts of Kiran Chavan and his family.During the programme, Mahajan also assured international swimmer Tanvi Chavan that efforts would be made to establish an international-level sports hub in Nashik.Mayor Himgauri Adke, MLC Gokul Gite, Grape County’s Kiran Chavan, senior BJP leader Laxman Savji, environmental expert Shekhar Gaikwad, BJP city president Sunil Kedar, and representatives of several social organisations, CREDAI, cycling groups and environmental organisations participated in the plantation drive.
