Green India challenge to launch 9th edition from Godavari with 9.9 mn native trees
Hyderabad, July 22
The Green India Challenge will launch its ninth edition from the confluence of the Godavari and Manjara rivers in Maharashtra on July 24, with a mission to plant and nurture 9.9 million native trees across the Godavari basin.
The initiative, described as one of the world's largest citizen-led climate action movements, aims to mobilise five million volunteers for the plantation drive, which will extend along both banks of the Godavari from Basar to Trimbakeshwar and across the Manjara and Pranahita basins.
The inaugural programme will be led by GIC Founder and former MP Joginapally Santosh Kumar and will mark the 50th birthday of Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working President K T Rama Rao.
The initiative has been launched in Maharashtra amid concerns over rising temperatures in the Marathwada region, which has recorded a rise of nearly 4 degrees Celsius this year, according to the GIC.
Inspired by Telangana's Haritha Haram programme, the movement follows the GIC's 3-3-3 model -- "plant three saplings, nurture them for three years, nominate three others". Since 2018, the initiative has mobilised more than 196 million saplings and engaged 44 million citizens, according to the organisation.
"A river is not water alone. It is the forest that feeds it, the farmer who depends on it, and the child who will inherit it. The Godavari has given India civilisation. This year, India gives back," Santosh Kumar said.
The ninth edition advances GIC's pledge to plant one billion trees by October 15, 2031, marking the centenary of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's birth.
The initiative is expected to help reduce soil erosion, protect riverbanks and farmland, strengthen farm resilience and incomes, restore wildlife habitats and moderate the climate through increased green cover.
The July 24 programme will bring together farmers, women, students, environmentalists and citizens for plantation and pledge activities. The initiative is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 13, 15 and 17.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative, but I hope they focus on native species and not just any random trees. Many past drives have planted eucalyptus or exotic varieties that deplete groundwater. Native trees like neem, banyan, and local fruit trees support local biodiversity better. Also, the nurturing part is key - too many saplings die after photo ops. Let's see if this one follows through.
Excellent work by Joginapally Santosh Kumar and team. The Godavari is our lifeline in Maharashtra-Telangana region. This is the kind of citizen-led movement India needs - not just government schemes that often remain on paper. 196 million saplings already planted! Imagine the oxygen those trees will produce. Happy birthday to KTR too - what a way to celebrate! 🎂🌳
As someone from Nanded, near the Godavari, I've seen the river shrink every summer. This initiative gives me hope. But I do wonder - who will water 9.9 million saplings during summer? The Marathwada region faces severe water scarcity. Hope they have a solid plan for drip irrigation or community water management. Else, these saplings will just be another statistic. 🤔
Outstanding! This aligns perfectly with SDGs and Dr Kalam's vision. The phrase "A river is not water alone" really hits home. Our rivers are dying because we've cut forests in the catchment areas. Planting along the Godavari banks will reduce soil erosion and recharge groundwater. I'm already planning to volunteer. Who else is in? 💪
S Sarah B < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.