Khadki, Pune – Over 150 students from St. Joseph Girls’ and Boys’ School, Khadki, stepped out of their classrooms and into a rare green oasis on September 13, 2025, to participate in a “Nature Walk” at a local Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). The event, organized by Pune Samwad, a citizen-led environmental movement, aimed to instill a sense of ecological responsibility in the city’s youth.
The BHS, a crucial green space located at Ganeshkhind behind Pune University, is currently facing a significant threat. According to Pune Samwad, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed plans to construct a sewage treatment plant (STP) on the site, which would involve felling ancient trees and converting the valuable habitat. The Nature Walk served as a powerful platform to highlight this issue and mobilize support for the site’s preservation.
The initiative was more than just a walk; it was a blend of education, art, and music designed to connect students with nature on multiple levels. Artists set up their easels in the open air, drawing inspiration directly from the natural surroundings. Meanwhile, musician Swapnil Thakur, known as a “one-man symphony,” and his band performed original songs, conveying a message of urgency and hope for environmental conservation. Ameet Singh and Anub George provided a deeper understanding of the BHS’s ecological and cultural significance, offering the young participants a more comprehensive perspective on the value of the site.
The idea to involve schools in this crucial initiative was a brainchild of Anne Anish and Rekha Joshi, who sought to foster a deep-rooted sense of connection with nature among children. “We believe that by engaging them directly with these habitats, they will become the future guardians of our planet,” said a member of Pune Samwad.
Pune Samwad extended its gratitude to the Principal and teachers of St. Joseph Schools for their support and for encouraging student participation. Special thanks were given to Fr. Dennis, Sister Karuna, Teacher Jobi Rohit, Smita Ankush, and Sangeeta Suryawanshi for their enthusiastic involvement in the program.
As the event concluded, Pune Samwad reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its efforts to raise environmental awareness and rally citizens to protect Pune’s invaluable biodiversity for generations to come.