CANACONA: Marking the celebration of Van Mahotsav 2026, the Comunidade of Loliem-Polem, along with several local organisations and community members, planted over 500 saplings at Madditolop in Loliem on Friday.
The plantation drive was jointly organised by the Comunidade of Loliem-Polem, the Khotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, APRUP Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd, Loliem, and the students, teachers and parents of S.S. Angle Higher Secondary School, Maxem.
As part of the initiative, volunteers planted around 500 fruit-bearing and flowering saplings at Laatbai, Madditolop to help restore biodiversity, improve the local ecosystem and promote environmental sustainability.
Speaking on the occasion, Comunidade President Vishwajit Varik said the drive was an important step towards protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity.
“Planting trees is an investment in the future. These saplings will provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife while helping to create a greener and healthier environment for future generations,” he said.
Administrator of Comunidades, South Zone, Deepak P. Vaingankar praised the initiative, calling it a meaningful contribution to ecological restoration and conservation efforts in the region.
Several dignitaries and community representatives participated in the event, including Comunidade Attorney Bhushan P. Gaonkar, Treasurer Madhav Shastri, APRUP MPACS President Eknath Prabhu Gaonkar, Forest Department officials Ashveta Dessai and Navnath Gaude, S.S. Angle Higher Secondary School Principal Hemant Kamat, PTA Secretary Trupti Azgaonkar and PTA Chairperson Kalpita Naik.
Organisers said the initiative highlights the community’s collective commitment to building a greener and more sustainable future through active environmental stewardship.
