Jalgaon (Maharashtra) [India], July 5 (ANI): Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the second phase of the afforestation initiative, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' was successfully concluded in Bhusawal, Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, a release said on Saturday.

The event was led by Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MoS Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and was graced by the presence of Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, along with key government officials and enthusiastic community participation.

The event witnessed the participation of dignitaries including Ayush Prasad (District Collector, Jalgaon), Sangeeta Biyani, Sachin Nandre, Ashok Kumar (District Youth Officer, Jalgaon), Bhushan Patil (District Youth Officer, Nandurbar), Sachin Panjhade (Block Development Officer, Bhusawal), Sunil Panje (Accounts and Program Assistant, Jalgaon), Sandeep More (Assistant Project Officer), Bhaiya Mahajan (Sarpanch, Chorwad), Deepak Bhole, Virendra Patil (Gram Panchayat Member), Ravi Gunjal, Mayur Mandhare, Mohan Chaudhary, Vikas Navkar, and Rahul Patil (Gram Sevak, Chorwad).

The afforestation drive was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the District Administration Jalgaon, and My Bharat, Jalgaon.

The plantation of over 2,000 native saplings by enthusiastic students and volunteers was held. Species such as Kadu Badam, Tamarind, Neem, Amla, and Shisham were planted to enhance local biodiversity and combat environmental challenges like soil erosion, depleting groundwater levels, and rising temperatures caused by low forest cover.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse emphasized the cultural and ecological importance of tree planting. Quoting the revered Saint Tukaram Maharaj, she said, 'Vrukshavalli Aamha Soyare, He Vishwachi Maze Ghar' (Trees are our kin, this world is my home), and urged all citizens to 'Plant trees, save trees! Cultivate a life of joy!'

A key highlight of the initiative was the active participation of National Service Scheme (NSS) units from several educational institutions in Bhusawal. These included PO Nahata College, PK Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Chaitanya Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Sakegaon, DDN Bhole College, Godavari Nursing College, Industrial Training Institute, Biyani Military School, and Rajaram Dhondu Secondary Vidyalaya.

Their active involvement contributed to strengthening the region's green infrastructure and community-driven environmental efforts. (ANI)