Armed Forces Families Join Anandvan Foundation to Boost Pune’s Urban Forest Cover
Reported by Vikrant Sonawane
Kondhwa, 8th June 2025: In a heartfelt effort to “Make Pune Green Again,” members of the Real Indian Armed Forces Wives group joined hands with the Anandvan Urban Forest Foundation to plant 51 trees near NIBM on Saturday. The plantation drive is part of a broader initiative to restore and preserve urban green spaces across the city.
The Anandvan Foundation, known for its mission of developing urban forest stations, facilitated the event by providing resources, guidance, and saplings.
“Today, we are planting 51 trees, a number considered auspicious. The goal is to contribute to Pune’s greenery and inspire our children to understand the value of forest stations,” said Sanjana Jog, a member of the group.
Another member, Anupama Pradhan, added, “We organize various programs for the welfare of veterans and their families. Green cover in Pune is declining rapidly, and this initiative aims to address that. We brought our children along so they can learn firsthand about the importance of trees and the environment.”
Sharing her motivation, Mehazbin Saiyad remarked, “Just like our husbands serve the nation at the borders, we, too, share the same patriotic spirit. One way to serve the country is by protecting the environment.”
Among the participants was Arjun Bedarkar, who shared a personal story behind his involvement. “I planted a tree today for my sister who is currently studying abroad. With World Environment Day just gone by, I felt this was the right time. Forests are disappearing under concrete, and urban forest stations are the need of the hour. I woke up early, came here, worked hard, and it feels good.”
Manish Ghule from the Anandvan Foundation explained, “Anandvan is focused on creating urban forests—spaces that promote biodiversity and support birds, bees, and butterflies. These forests also help in watershed management and groundwater recharge. We’re thankful to the Real Indian Armed Forces Wives group for donating 51 trees toward this cause.”
Pravin Kumar Anand, founder of the Anandvan Foundation, added, “I was born and raised in Dehradun and Haridwar, but I moved to Pune seeking a healthier life as I suffered from chronic asthma for over 20 years. Creating Anandvan helped me recover and reconnect with nature. This plantation site is Anandvan 6, part of our larger vision, which now includes 498 acres from Hadapsar to Bopdev Ghat under an MoU with the Ministry of Forest and Climate and the Pune Forest Department. On 27 July, we will celebrate 12 years of the foundation. Our dream is to expand this movement across other states and countries.”
Closing the event on a poignant note, Archana Bedarkar said, “Every tree and plant helps Mother Earth. I chose to plant banyan and audumbar trees because they live for 100 to 300 years. I dedicate these trees to my children. Even if we’re not here tomorrow, these trees—and their legacy—will remain for future generations.”
