Nagpur: A citywide tree plantation campaign was launched on World Environment Day with the aim of increasing Nagpur’s green cover and preventing it from turning into an urban heat trap. The initiative was rolled out simultaneously across all six Assembly constituencies under the leadership of Mayor Neeta Thakre, with participation from elected representatives, civic officials, environmentalists and residents.The campaign forms part of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) Environment Conservation Campaign, which will continue until June 21, coinciding with International Yoga Day.At Suyog Nagar Garden in the Dhantoli zone, Mayor Thakre and MLC Sanjay Bhende inaugurated the programme in the presence of standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, ruling party leader Narendra Borkar, former mayor Dayashankar Tiwari and former MLC Anil Sole, among others.Thakre called for sustained public participation in cleanliness and environmental initiatives and urged residents to adopt rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems.Bhende appealed to citizens to plant at least one tree outside their homes and reduce plastic consumption. Tiwari stressed the need for water conservation and groundwater recharge, while environmental expert Swanand Soni cautioned that continued water wastage could have serious consequences for future generations.Participants took a pledge to protect the environment and conserve trees. Cloth bags were distributed to women to encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic carry bags.Plantation activities were also held at Nandigram in Wathoda, Chitnavis Udyan in Nehrunagar, Trikoni Park in Dharampeth, Buddha Park in Ashinagar, Sharadanagar in Hanuman Nagar, and several locations across Gandhi Bagh, Sataranjipura, and Lakadganj zones.Vidarbha cricketer Praful Hinge, civic officials, social organisations, volunteers and residents participated in the campaign, reaffirming their commitment to a greener Nagpur.
