By Alphonsa Ohol and Vanita Roham for BIS Mumbai

On July 25, 2026, the Don Bosco Junior College, Yerwada, Pune, organised a Tree Plantation and Voluntary Service Drive at Bakori Hills, Pune as part of its commitment to promoting environmental awareness and social responsibility among students. Mrs Vanita Roham, the Coordinator of Don Bosco Junior College took the initiative to organise the Tree Plantation Drive. This initiative aimed to encourage students to develop a deeper appreciation for nature and inspire them to actively contribute towards environmental conservation through meaningful service.

A total of 145 students from Classes XI and XII, accompanied by 15 teachers, enthusiastically participated in this noble initiative.

The plantation activity was carried out from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. as part of the Bakori Devrai (Vanrai) Project. The drive offered students a valuable hands-on experience in environmental conservation and highlighted the importance of preserving nature for future generations.

The programme was expertly coordinated and guided by Mr Ganesh Gaware and his dedicated team from the Shwas Foundation, along with Mr Chandrakant Govind Warghade, Chairman of the Right to Information Committee and the visionary behind the Bakori Devrai–Vanrai Project. Mr Warghade shared that the project's inspiring mission is to plant one crore (10 million) trees, creating a greener and healthier environment. The Don Bosco Junior College family felt privileged to contribute to this remarkable environmental movement.

Before the plantation began, Mr Gaware briefed the students on the correct techniques of planting saplings. Students were first shown the water conservation pond (Talav) developed by Mr Warghade, emphasizing the importance of water conservation in sustaining greenery. They were then guided to their designated plantation sites, where they carefully planted the saplings under the supervision of the organizers.

After the plantation activity, all participants gathered together and enthusiastically raised inspiring environmental slogans such as "झाडे लावा, झाडे जगवा", "पाणी आडवा, पाणी जिरवा", and "एक पेड़ माँ के नाम", reinforcing the message of protecting nature and conserving water.

The Tree Plantation Drive was not merely an environmental activity but a meaningful lesson in teamwork, social responsibility, and sustainable living. It inspired students to become responsible citizens and environmental stewards, carrying forward Don Bosco Junior College's commitment to building a greener and more sustainable future. It was an enjoyable and a memorable experience.

Students’ opinion:

Std XI student said, "Planting trees at Bakori Hills was a wonderful experience. I felt proud to help protect nature."

Std XII student expressed that, “The drive taught me to care for the environment. It was a fun and meaningful experience."