Swastik Kala Va Sanskritik Mandal celebrated Van Mahotsav with enthusiasm at the sacred grove (Devrai) in Koparde, Sattari, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and the preservation of Goa's traditional sacred groves. The programme brought together Forest Department officials, nature lovers, villagers and youth volunteers, who collectively pledged to safeguard the environment through tree plantation and conservation initiatives.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Kartik Sawant. In keeping with the eco-friendly theme, chief guests were felicitated with saplings instead of bouquets. Among those present were Forest Department officials Pankaj Parwar and Sushant Malik, Foresters Gurudas Naik and Shivaji Pirankar, Swayampurna Mitra Shyam Sawant, Swastik Kala Va Sanskritik Mandal President Akshay Sawant, villagers Vasu Sawant and Laxman Naik, along with members of the organisation, youth volunteers and a large gathering of local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Forest Department officials Pankaj Parwar and Sushant Malik stressed that Van Mahotsav is much more than a tree-planting campaign—it is a celebration of forests, biodiversity and humanity's enduring relationship with nature. They urged every citizen to plant at least one tree annually and take responsibility for its care, noting that while a tree can be cut down in minutes, it takes years to grow. Preventing deforestation and promoting afforestation, they said, is a shared social responsibility.
The officials also highlighted the growing threats posed by indiscriminate tree felling, rapid urbanisation and climate change, which are contributing to global warming, erratic rainfall and declining biodiversity. While development is necessary, they emphasised that it must be sustainable and should not come at the cost of natural resources needed by future generations. Expressing concern over the gradual disappearance of many sacred groves in Goa, they appealed to the people of Koparde to unite in protecting their Devrai.
Speaking on the occasion, villager Vasu Sawant urged everyone to take a pledge never to cut down the trees they plant. Swayampurna Mitra Shyam Sawant underlined the importance of educating younger generations about the religious, cultural and ecological significance of sacred groves. He said Devrais are not only places of worship but also vital natural ecosystems that conserve water, protect biodiversity and help maintain ecological balance.
Swastik Kala Va Sanskritik Mandal President Akshay Sawant outlined the history of Van Mahotsav and the organisation's sustained environmental efforts. He said the Mandal has been actively involved in tree plantation and conservation for the past five years, planting more than 150 native forest trees during this period. This year, the organisation has undertaken the plantation of an additional 50 indigenous saplings in the Devrai. He added that the initiative focuses not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their long-term protection and survival.
Akshay Sawant further noted that the sacred grove serves as a natural shield for the village by preserving native tree species, medicinal plants, birds, butterflies and wildlife. Tree plantation, he said, plays a vital role in groundwater conservation, preventing soil erosion, improving air quality and protecting biodiversity. He appealed to every citizen to actively participate in plantation drives and take responsibility for nurturing the saplings.
Following the formal programme, Forest Department officials, guests, members of the organisation, youth volunteers and villagers jointly planted saplings across various parts of the Devrai. Participants also pledged to care for the newly planted trees to ensure their healthy growth and contribute to the long-term conservation of the sacred grove.
