Maharashtra Government has for the years focused on forestation, natural habitats upliftment and environmental friendliness, in the midst of growing industrialization in the state and country.

The Maharashtra Government had initiated the “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vanashree Award, which it bestows time and again on those individuals or bodies who have for long taken self initiatives in taking care of the environment by planting trees, vegetation, etc and looking after the environment.

This year, the recipient of the award was Haider Ali Noorani, a septuagenarian, who for years has shown his love for nature by planting trees.  Over a large period of his life, he, though belonging to a business family, has never compromised on his love for the environment – and has planted 45,000 trees in and around Maharashtra.  He was bestowed this award for outstanding work in the field of environment awareness by planting trees and has also raised awareness among other people, to do so.  His dedication to this activity has been outstanding and has been recognized by the Government as well.

Haider Ali was presented this award by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of various dignitaries including Central Minister Nitin Gadkari. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Forests and Finance and Jaykumar Rawal, Minister for Tourism at Nagpur on 29th July, which is also the International Tiger Day.

We have taken the liberty to present this news, with an aim to inculcate the desire of the need to conserve nature in the midst of ongoing deforestation in Udaipur due to increased industrialization.  A few local bodies have taken upon the initiative in the city already and it is for the natives of Udaipur to ensure that the beauty of the lakes and mountains within and surrounding is not compromised in the medium to long run, else we will be left with a concrete jungle surrounded by barren mountains for our next generation to see.