National Defence Academy to Get a New Green Look

Reported by: IESM, Pune

The Cradle of Military Leadership, which produces Gentlemen Warriors – National Defence Academy ( NDA ) is now in the fore-front of protecting the fragile environment. With the help of Forestry, Social Forestry, Agriculture departments of Maharashtra as well as Pune Municipal Corporation and participation of public, the NDA plans to plant over 1,50,000 saplings / plants to give NDA a New Green Look. On Monday Jun 23, 2014 “ Greening NDA “ campaign was inaugurated by the Commandant of NDA, Air Marshall K S Gill AVSM, YSM, VM ( G)  .

Forestry departments of Maharashtra and Pune Municipal Corporation, NGOs and several retired personnel from the Armed Forces, including the ex-NDA cadets through NDA Alumni Association ( NDAAA ) have taken a lead in making a starting this dream project a reality.

Chief Conservator of Forests of Maharashtra, Jeet Singh Virk, Deputy Conservator Rajendra Kadam, Deputy Director of Social Forestry of Pune Division, A T Thorat were some of the dignitaries who planted saplings on this historic occasion.

The “Greening NDA “ campaign is spearheaded by retired Alumni of NDA Major Arun Phatak, Lt Col Ramesh Pathak and Commander Ravindra Pathak and many others. Volunteers from PRAJ Industries Foundation, Mauli Seva Pratishthan, Rotary Clubs, Shwas Foundation, students from schools and colleges in Pune have enthusiastically participated in this campaign.

The name of the person / organisation that plants a sapling will be displayed in front of it. Although NDA shall take day-to-day care of the saplings, the persons who plant these are encouraged to periodically visit and monitor their growth.

“ The phenomenal increase in temperatures in cities like Pune, Bengaluru, Mahabaleshwar, Delhi and many others all over the country is an alarming situation. It is heartening to note that so many organisations and people from all walks of life, especially the youth, have come forward to make a small contribution to reverse the trend ” said Air Marshall K S Gill.

Priority given to Medicinal Plants

Umbar, Banyan, Pimpal, Ritha, Neem and many more medicinal plants of indigenous variety are being given importance and priority. Ayurvedic experts, Drs Nirmala, Nalini and Lalita are guiding the NDA in selection of plants.

At the time of inauguration 300 selected medicinal plants were planted by the guests and cadets. PRAJ Industries Foundation has already planted over 5,000 plants even before the formal inauguration.