NDA Goes Green: Massive ‘Urban Forest’ With 23,000 Trees Born in Pune
Chandani Chowk, 30th April 2026: In a joint initiative between the National Defense Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune, and the ‘SayTrees Environmental Trust’, an ‘Urban Forest’ has been created within the Academy’s premises. This significant step has been taken to instill environmental responsibility within one of India’s most prestigious tri-service institutions.
This project has been implemented across an area of approximately 1,23,785 sq. ft. on the NDA campus, where 23,000 saplings have been planted. The primary objective of this large-scale urban forest is to enhance biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and create a dense native green cover within institutional urban spaces. Beyond mere tree plantation, the goal of this initiative is to strengthen the local ecosystem and develop a green complex capable of tackling climate change.
The event was attended by NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi along with several senior officers of the Academy. He expressed satisfaction with this scientific afforestation project implemented to enhance biodiversity, environmental awareness, and sustainability within the Academy.
This forest has been developed using the Japanese scientific ‘Miyawaki’ method. This technique is known for creating dense and fast-growing native forests in small spaces. Rather than just symbolic plantation, the emphasis here is on restoring a structured ecosystem. Due to carefully selected native species and dense planting, this forest will help improve the local micro-climate and build long-term environmental resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, Vandana Tummallapalli, Head of Conservation and Government Projects at SayTrees Environmental Trust, said, “This initiative at the National Defense Academy is a prime example of how environmental restoration processes can become an integral part of institutions shaping the country’s future. By transforming 1,23,785 sq. ft. of land into a flourishing urban forest with 23,000 saplings, we have established a living example of sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility for future generations.”
This collaboration strengthens SayTrees’ broader mission of urban and ecological restoration across educational, governmental, and defense institutions in India. Having planted over 1 crore trees, created more than 150 urban forests, and worked extensively in water conservation and agroforestry, ‘SayTrees’ is seeking scientific and community-driven solutions to India’s environmental challenges. As climate risks increase, such initiatives prove crucial in embedding sustainability into the foundation of national institutions.
