By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

KAWANT, August 2026: In a significant grassroots effort to promote environmental responsibility among tribal communities, DISHA Don Bosco Kawant has successfully completed a two-month tree plantation campaign across 19 tribal villages, planting 280 saplings during July and August 2026.

Under the management of the Kawant Education Society, the initiative went beyond simply planting trees. It brought together village leadership, youth, school children and community members, transforming environmental conservation into a shared community responsibility. The campaign was coordinated by DISHA Youth Mentors and Youth Leaders in collaboration with Sarpanches, local residents and school children.

The initiative began on July 17 at Godadha, where 10 Babool saplings were planted with the participation of Sarpanch Kuresingbhai, former Sarpanch Sundarbhai, Youth Leader Vechatbhai and Youth Mentor Sundarbhai. Encouraged by this beginning, DISHA Don Bosco expanded the campaign to 18 more villages, with a standard target of 15 saplings at each location.

The plantation campaign then moved steadily from village to village. On July 28, activities were carried out in Moti Sankal, Nakhal, Dungargam and Moti Tokari. On July 29, the initiative reached Navalja, Mogra, Baidiya, Saidivasan and Athadungari. A major one-day plantation drive followed on July 30 in eight villages—Vagudan, Keldhara, Musat, Khadla, Bildha, Samlvant, Kanalva and Rendha. The campaign concluded with drives in Zalavant and Usela on August 6 and 7.

One of the most significant features of the campaign was the strong participation of the local community and public institutions. Sarpanches, Deputy Sarpanches, Block Delegates, Asha workers, Anganwadi workers and Police G.P. officers joined hands with DISHA Youth Mentors and Leaders. This collaboration created a valuable link between local governance, community development and environmental action.

The participation of children added a special dimension to the campaign. 147 school children from seven villages—Moti Sankal, Navalja, Khadla, Bildha, Rendha, Zalavant and Usela—actively participated in the plantation activities. Their involvement is expected to nurture environmental consciousness at an early age and encourage them to become future custodians of the trees planted in their communities.

The campaign also placed emphasis on biodiversity. Rather than relying solely on one species, DISHA introduced a variety of fruit-bearing, medicinal and ecologically suitable trees, including Indian Gooseberry, Pomegranate, Ashoka, Custard Apple, Cashew and Bael.

The 280 saplings planted across 19 tribal villages represent more than numbers. They symbolise a collective commitment to nurture nature, involve communities and inspire the younger generation. Through this initiative, DISHA Don Bosco Kawant has demonstrated that meaningful environmental change can begin with a sapling, grow through community participation and ultimately become a shared vision for a greener future.