Pune Municipal Corporation’s Van Mahotsav Returns: Saplings Available at Rs 5 to Boost Green Cover
Pune, 16th June 2025: As Pune continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation and dwindling green spaces, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has revived its annual tree plantation drive — Van Mahotsav — aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and urban afforestation.
Running from June 5 to August 14, the initiative offers citizens a chance to purchase indigenous tree saplings for just ₹5 each. The saplings are available at the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Garden on Jangli Maharaj Road.
“This is one of our longest-running green initiatives. We’ve been organizing Van Mahotsav for nearly three decades,” said Ashok Ghorpade, Superintendent of the PMC Garden Department. “Every year, the public response is overwhelming, with thousands of residents actively participating.”
What’s on Offer?
This year, the civic body is providing more than 15 species of native saplings, including:
Banyan (Vad)
Peepal
Neem
Tamhan
Arjun
Bakul
Behda
Mahua (Moh)
Custard Apple (Sitaphal)
“These trees are carefully chosen for their adaptability to Pune’s climate and their ecological benefits,” Ghorpade added. “We encourage residents, housing societies, and schools to make the most of this opportunity and plant trees in terraces, courtyards, compounds, and open hill areas.”
Why It Matters
With shrinking green belts due to construction and infrastructure development, PMC’s effort serves as an affordable and accessible way for citizens to participate in greening the city.
“Affordable pricing is key,” Ghorpade explained. “By keeping the cost of each sapling at ₹5, we ensure everyone — from school children to senior citizens — can contribute to creating a more sustainable Pune.”
Strong Public Support
On average, 35,000 to 40,000 saplings are sold each year under the scheme. The civic body anticipates a similar turnout this year, reflecting increasing public concern about climate change and biodiversity loss.
“The success of Van Mahotsav lies in community involvement,” said Ghorpade. “It’s not just about planting trees, but about building a culture of environmental responsibility.”
