tree plantation

From reviving forgotten rivers to launching space science education in rural areas, rethinking waste management, and pioneering water conservation during severe droughts — meet five visionary civil servants transforming India with groundbreaking initiatives!

A decade ago, Vijayapura in Karnataka was barren, with almost no forest cover. Today, a people-led greening campaign has grown 15 million trees, reviving water, land, and hope.

Roundglass Foundation’s ‘The Billion Tree Project’ has planted over 3 million native trees across Punjab, restoring biodiversity, improving soil and water health, and creating thousands of jobs for women and youth. Learn how this movement is improving lives.

What began as a small act inspired by a neighbour became a 25-year-long green movement. With no funds or land, Bholeshwar Palange has grown and donated over 1 lakh saplings — turning a parking lot into a thriving nursery and involving his entire family in the mission.

In a village where water is scarce and the land is unforgiving, Sundaram Verma found a way to grow trees using only one litre of water per plant. His simple method has helped over 60,000 trees survive drought — and inspired farmers across India to rethink how change takes root.

Environmentalist and teacher Shyam Sunder Jyani led a massive campaign with over 2,500 villagers to restore 84 hectares of gypsum-mined wasteland in Rajasthan. By fostering community involvement and planting native species, the initiative transformed barren land into a thriving wildlife haven.

From army veteran to earth warrior, Ramesh Kharmale and his family are reviving barren hills — one trench at a time

In 2019, a devastating fire destroyed 1,000 trees in Dr Shankar Lal Garg’s forest, built on barren land. Despite the setback, his resilience turned dreams into reality. Today, Keshar Parvat, a 22-acre lush forest, thrives with over 40,000 trees, showcasing the transformative power of determination and nature.

Tired of the same weekend routine? Discover rewarding volunteering opportunities in Mumbai that let you make a real impact - from beach clean-ups and tree planting to caring for stray dogs.

Love knows no distance! This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with heartfelt gifts that cherish both your partner and the planet.