Navi Mumbai: Sandeep Naik Foundation launches ‘tree for anyone who asks’ campaign for environmental conservation

Navi Mumbai: The Sandeep Naik Foundation launched the ‘Tree for Anyone Who Asks’ campaign in Navi Mumbai on Thursday on the occasion of World Environment Day. The Foundation has been implementing extensive environmental conservation initiatives for more than 25 years. Former MLA Sandeep Naik distributed saplings symbolically among school students, representatives of environmental organisations and public representatives during the launch event.The citizens were offered free saplings from the Foundation not only on World Environment Day but also at any time of the year. Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Naik said that the natural wealth of the Earth must be preserved and passed on to future generations, and every individual should contribute towards environmental protection and conservation. Humans use nature to meet their needs, but often unknowingly cause environmental damage.“Climate and environmental changes have resulted in unseasonal rains, hailstorms, droughts and floods, causing harm to both people and ecosystems. Therefore, maintaining ecological balance has become essential. He emphasised that environmental conservation should not remain limited to World Environment Day alone but should become a year-round commitment, with environment-friendly practices adopted throughout all 365 days of the year. Activities harmful to nature should be consciously avoided in daily life,” said Naik.He also appealed to involve students and youth in expanding the environmental movement. Tree plantation should be carried out in schools, colleges, housing societies, public spaces, industrial zones and hilly areas with species suitable to local conditions and long-term survival. He further stated that planting saplings alone is not enough; ensuring that the trees survive and grow is equally important. He expressed confidence that environmental conservation should become a people’s movement and that collective efforts can win the fight to protect nature.The programme was attended by school students, members of environmental organisations, corporators and a large number of nature-loving citizens. The initiative has been successfully implemented across Navi Mumbai for the last three years and will continue this year as well, said Naik. Institutions and individuals requiring saplings for plantation can register their request between 9 am and 5 pm on mobile number 9326183525. Saplings will be provided free of cost by the Foundation.“For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been carrying out large-scale environmental conservation and nature protection initiatives in Navi Mumbai and other cities. It was among the first to undertake mangrove restoration in Navi Mumbai. The Foundation also conducts awareness and cleanliness drives at railway stations, residential areas, industrial zones, schools and colleges. To encourage environmental awareness among students, drawing and essay competitions are organised. The Foundation also provides guidance and support to tree plantation initiatives undertaken by other organisations,” said Naik.