In a significant step toward environmental conservation, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation drive across the city. Over 1,100 saplings were planted as part of the corporation’s ambitious goal of planting one lakh trees, a mission aimed at enhancing the city’s greenery and mitigating climate change.

The main event took place near Vadale Lake, where around 40 trees were planted along the highway. Simultaneously, a cloth bag vending machine and a collection center for reusable plastic and e-waste were inaugurated.

MLA Prashant Thakur, who attended the event, lauded the PMC’s initiative and urged citizens to contribute actively toward making Panvel cleaner and greener. “This plantation drive is a commendable step toward preserving the environment. Let us all commit ourselves to a cleaner and more beautiful Panvel,” he said.

Additional activities were held across the four civic zones of Panvel, including tree plantations at ITI College, Jessel Melody, and the Panvel Bus Stand.

Former House Leader Paresh Thakur praised the municipality’s efforts, especially the installation of the cloth bag vending machine to curb plastic usage. “With proper planning, I’m confident this tree plantation mission will be a success,” he added.

At Ward Committee B, 100 saplings were planted in Sector 20 at Roadpali Ground, with additional plantations near Shankar Lake and Phoenix Banquet Hall.

Under the Navade subdivision, 140 saplings were planted by women from self-help groups at Pisarve Lake under the AMRUT 2.0 and DAY-NULM initiatives.

In Kamothe, over 140 trees were planted in Sectors 6 and 8, while Kharghar saw 130 trees planted in Sectors 14 and 30. Additional plantation was done in local parks and public spaces, including the Ganesh immersion site at Taloja and near the CIDCO office.

Senior PMC officials including Additional Commissioner Ganesh Shete, Deputy Commissioners Dr. Vaibhav Vidhate, Ravikiran Ghodke, Swaroop Kharge, Abhishek Paradkar, and civic staff participated in the events. Members from local organizations such as Mahavir International, Nisargmitra, and various resident associations also joined in.

The day also featured an environmental pledge and awareness talks encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices.