Pune schools to receive fruit-bearing trees for sustainability

The forest department has announced a plan to plant fruit-bearing trees in 303 schools in Pune. This initiative aims to support environmental sustainability and encourage student participation in caring for the environment. The project will be carried out in partnership with the zilla parishad, Pune, and the Loha Foundation. A senior forest official stated that the trees will help promote awareness about conservation among students. The first sapling was recently handed to Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth during a cyclothon event, marking the start of the initiative. Chief Conservator of Forests NR Praveen explained that the goal is to provide students with fresh fruits and valuable lessons about sustainability and ecology. The trees to be planted include bananas, tamarinds, guavas, and other native species. Students will play an active role in the project, participating in activities from digging pits to taking care of the trees. This hands-on experience is designed to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues among young learners.