Pune: “Trees give us the oxygen we need to live. It is nature’s priceless gift. Planting and protecting trees is not just a social responsibility but a moral duty of every individual,” said DIG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Vaibhav Nimbalkar.
He was speaking at the conclusion ceremony of a large-scale tree plantation drive held at the CRPF Group Centre in Talegaon Dabhade. The drive was organised by Shree Kalpataru Sansthan in collaboration with Padma Pratishthan and was launched on the occasion of World Environment Day. As part of the initiative, over 5,000 saplings of native species were planted within the campus, with a pledge taken for their care and conservation.
The event was attended by notable personalities, including ‘Tree Man of India’ Vishnu Lamba, Shree Kalpataru Sansthan; Shashikant Kamble, President of Padma Pratishthan; Additional Commissioner of Police Pravin Patil; social activist Milind Bhoi; educationist Dr Mahesh Thorve; entrepreneur Vrushali Gosavi; and Mayur Padalwar.
Speaking on the occasion, Shashikant Kamble informed that the campaign was jointly implemented by Shree Kalpataru Sansthan, Padma Pratishthan, Inner Wheel Club, and Nirman Greens. The initiative focused on planting over 5,000 trees belonging to more than 100 indigenous species.
Senior IPS officer Pravin Patil lauded the effort and suggested that an environment-focused campaign similar to the ongoing ‘Khaki Warriors’ initiative in Rajasthan could be launched in collaboration with the Pune Police. A delegation from the foundation is expected to meet Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi soon to explore the possibilities of such a partnership, mentioned Vishnu Lamba.
