The Times of India – Mission Green Monsoon Receives Great Turnout, 6k Saplings Planted

The Times of India | By Tushar Pawar | Nashik | July 2026

Mission Green Monsoon received an enthusiastic response from citizens on Sunday, with around 6,000 saplings planted across Nashik under the Unnat Nashik Abhiyan and as part of preparations for the 2027 Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

Of the total plantation, 2,600 saplings were planted at Nashik Vanrai’s Peacock Garden in Mhasrul, while another 3,400 saplings were planted at Grape County Resort on Trimbak Road.

Addressing participants during the plantation drive, Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan stressed the importance of large-scale afforestation to combat rising temperatures, climate change and the impact of El Niño. He urged citizens to turn the campaign into a mass movement and actively contribute to making Nashik greener.

“Planting trees alone is not enough. Citizens must also take responsibility for nurturing and protecting them.”

Mahajan said the success of Mission Green Monsoon will depend on the survival and growth of the one lakh saplings proposed under the campaign. The campaign, launched on 28 June, will continue until 25 October, with plantation drives scheduled every Sunday during the monsoon.

At Grape County Resort, Mahajan praised the tree-plantation model developed by the Chavan family, describing it as an example that other institutions and organisations could emulate. He also planted a sapling at the venue and appreciated the efforts of Kiran Chavan and his family.

During the programme, Mahajan also assured international swimmer Tanvi Chavan that efforts would be made to establish an international-level sports hub in Nashik.

Mayor Himgouri Adke, MLC Gokul Gite, Kiran Chavan of Grape County, senior BJP leader Laxman Savji, environmental expert Shekhar Gaikwad, city president Sunil Kedar and representatives of social organisations, CREDAI, cycling groups and environmental organisations participated in the plantation drive.