For most people, planting a tree is a one-time symbolic act. But for Maharashtra’s Beed district-based environmental activist Sudhakar Deshmukh, it has been a mission lasting more than four decades.

Hailing from Mamdapur village in Ambejogai tehsil, Deshmukh has dedicated his life to planting and distributing saplings across the state, turning everyday social occasions into opportunities for environmental action.

18 lakh saplings and counting

Over the years, Deshmukh is believed to have distributed more than 18 lakh saplings across Maharashtra.

What makes his effort unique is how these saplings are shared. They are gifted during weddings, birthdays, housewarming ceremonies, retirement functions, religious events and public gatherings, making tree plantation a part of social celebrations.

Seeds of a movement born in childhood

Deshmukh’s journey began in his early years, when he worked in fields and grazed cattle. During that time, he often survived on wild fruits and edible plants found in forests and farmlands.

Instead of throwing away the seeds of the fruits he ate, he began planting them in open spaces, along riverbanks and rocky areas. This simple habit slowly grew into a lifelong environmental mission.

`Vrukshamitra Abhiyan`: Turning idea into institution

To expand his efforts, Deshmukh founded the `Vrukshamitra Abhiyan (Tree Friend Campaign)` in 2002. The initiative has since grown into a strong platform for tree plantation and conservation activities across Maharashtra.

As part of the campaign, he set up a free nursery and seed bank at his home, which preserves seeds of indigenous tree species such as banyan, peepal, mango, tamarind, amla, bael, karanj, and kadamba.

These seeds are distributed free of cost to students, farmers, women’s self-help groups, and senior citizens.

Demand for tree census in Maharashtra

Along with plantation work, Deshmukh has long pushed for a scientific tree census across Maharashtra.

Explaining his demand, he said, “Since 2005, I have been actively advocating this cause through awareness campaigns and public outreach.”

He added that during the 2012–13 Winter Session of the state legislature in Nagpur, he and his family also launched a public campaign to support the idea.

Deshmukh has suggested that trees with a trunk circumference of at least 6 feet and a height of 7–10 feet should be officially recorded, and that villages should display boards showing the total number of trees in their area.

From campaign to government policy

According to Deshmukh, years of advocacy eventually helped push the idea into official policy frameworks.

He said that tree census work is now included under the state government’s `Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan (My Earth Mission)`, which focuses on environmental conservation.

He further noted that in 2022–23, municipal corporations, municipalities, and gram panchayats were directed under this programme to conduct tree censuses and maintain official records of trees in their jurisdictions.

Recognition for decades of environmental service

Deshmukh’s long-standing contribution to environmental conservation has earned him several honours over the years.

In 2023, he received the prestigious Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vanashree Award from the Maharashtra government. He has also been recognised by various organisations for his work in tree plantation and ecological awareness.

(With PTI Inputs)

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