Mr. Punam Singavi
President of HARIYALI - Organisation for Environment Protection & Upgradation

Since when are you associated with Hariyali?
Since its inception in early 1996.

What is Hariyali all about?
It is an Organization set up for the protection and upgradation of environmental
conditions and generating awareness about the same. Main objectives of the
Organization are enumerated in its Home Page. However, the emphasis has
been mainly on afforestation, water conservation, optimum utilization of
natural resources for regeneration through the 'Shramdan' of students and
other socially conscious citizens.

Who are the main founders of Hariyali?
Following persons have been the Founders of the Organization:-
(1) Shri Punam Singavi, President; (2) Prin. L.S. Bhole, Vice President;
(3) Shri A.G. Tilak, Vice President; (4) Shri Surendra Dighe, Secretary;
(5) Late Prof. Vijay Singavi, (6) Prin. Y.B. Bhide; (7) Shri V.K. Kelkar;
(8) Prin. A.D. Oak; (9) Adv. V.B. Deshpande; (10) Shri Ramesh Joshi;
(11) Dr. J.G. Kulkarni; (12) Shri R.D. Surana; (13) Mrs. B.V. Kelkar;
(14) Mrs. P.P. Singavi

Immediately after the Organization started functioning, Shri Hema Gupte,
Prof. Dr. Madhuri Pejaver, Mrs. Sumita Dighe, Dr. Mr. & Mrs. Rajput, Mr.
& Mrs. V.M. Kale, Shri Vikas Maideo, Shri Vijay Satghare, Shri Vishal Singavi,
Shharsha Nitsure, Shri Anil Kunte, Shri R.O. Baviskar and several other
nature lovers and socially conscious citizens started taking very active
interest in the activities of the Organization and are among the prominent
activists of the Organization.

How far Hariyali has reached in its objectives since its inception?
I believe, during last five years of its operations, Hariyali has come to
be known as a major Organization working in the field of environmental protection.
More than 25000 standing trees, development of six water bodies participation
of more than 10000 students representing more than ten colleges and not
less than fifteen schools, an equal number of other social service organizations
like Mahila Mandals, Senior Citizens Clubs, Lions, Rotary and Giants International
Clubs, Students Organizations, etc., speak for the work done by the Organization.

Where does Thane city stands as far as environment protection
is concerned ?
Surrounded by mountain ranges and a twenty k.m. long creek, around fifteen
existing lakes within the city, an active students community, a number of
social organizations, nature lovers and experts from various fields, organized
industrial sector, Thane City has the potential of of becoming the most
beautiful and environmentally safest city in the country, notwithstanding
the emission of industrial and vehicular gases.

What are the future plans of Hariyali?
Hariyali has not only plans, but a number of on-going projects which were
presented at a recently concluded two days Seminar on pollution entitled
'THANE PARISAR PARYAVARAN RAKSHAN 2001 - AMHI KAY KARNAR AHOT?".
The Seminar was organized by Hariyali and a bout one hundred and fifty delegates representing various organizations actively participated in the proceedings of the Seminar
with great enthusiasm. These projects mainly include the following:-
(1) Plantation of not less than one lakh trees during the forthcoming Monsoon.
(2) Preparing own saplings of a number of species of trees, through Shramdan.
(3) Spreading knowledge of our surroundings so as to be able to protect
it from pollutional abuse and encroachments.
(4) Compiling a complete encyclopedia of existing flora and fauna or our
region and putting the same on web for the benefit of citizens in general.
(5) Organizing a number of treks, bird watching and nature awareness programmes.
(6) Launching and promoting Karvi relief and rehabilitation huts, designed
by the activists of Hariyali.
(7) Co-ordinating the activities of various organizations and individuals
working in the field of envirionmental protection in and around Thane-Mumbai
Region and ensuring optimum participation of masses in their activities.
(8) Massive plantation of trees across the barren hills, national highways
passing through the cities of Thane-Mumbai-Navi Mumbai and the wter supply
pipe lines, with permissions to be secured from the appropriate authorities.

Tell us something about the activities / projects undertaken by Hariyali?
Same as above.

Any Message for your fellow Thaneites?
It is only through the co-ordinated and pre-planned activities and efforts
that we shall be able to bring Thane on top of the list of environmentally
most beautiful cities, not only in India but the entire world. This would
require motivation of civic administration and other concerned administrative authorities and the machinery working under them, selection of proper people to represent the people and a far greater participation of citizens in all such activities. Just as there is nothing in the nature which can be considered wasteful, there cannot be a citizen who cannot in one way or the other participate in such activities by remaining and working in his own field of operation.

As told to Thaneweb.com