Citizens of Navi Mumbai are being urged to collect and preserve seeds from the fruits they consume and sow them in open spaces to enhance greenery. As part of this initiative, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a Seed Collection Center (Seed Bank) at Nature Park, Sector 14, Koparkhairane, under the Majhi Vasundhara Campaign.
NMMC has set an ambitious target of collecting 1 lakh seeds, which will be planted during the monsoon season. The initiative, spearheaded by the Garden Department, encourages residents to retain seeds from the fruits they consume. These seeds will be transformed into seed balls and dispersed across Navi Mumbai, fostering natural afforestation and increasing the city’s green cover.
The Garden Department has identified 22 indigenous seed varieties, including guava, jamun, and gooseberry, which are well-suited for local ecological conditions and will contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Nayana Sasane emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. She encouraged citizens to bring collected seeds to the Seed Collection Center, where the Garden Department will use them to grow saplings.
This initiative aims to enhance urban greenery and promote eco-conscious living. A similar Seed Bank is being set up at Central Park in Ghansoli, with plans to expand the initiative across Navi Mumbai.
The event also featured a display of collected seeds, sparking curiosity among attendees, especially children who were seeing many of these seeds for the first time. Sasane further announced that a training center for preparing ‘Seed Balls’ will be launched soon to encourage community participation in afforestation efforts.
To mark International Women’s Day, a special tree plantation drive was conducted, with 500 Moringa saplings being planted at Nature Park, Koparkhairane, and another 500 saplings at Advali-Bhutavali near the water tank area. Moringa, commonly known as the Drumstick Tree, is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits.
The event saw active participation from social organizations, including:
Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan
Jivan Vidya Mission Gnyansadhana Kendra
Ichhapurti Sanstha (Koparkhairane Village)
Sant Nirankari Charitable Trust
Adishakti Sanstha
The success of the event was attributed to the efforts of Assistant Garden Officer Bhalchandra Gawli, Garden Superintendent Vijay Kamble, Garden Assistants Shrikant Jadhav and Deepak Rohekar, along with Deputy Engineers Santosh Shikatoade, Deepak Nagral, and Ajit Bhavare.
The Seed Collection Center was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department (Zone 2) Nayana Sasane, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department (Zone 1) Kisanrao Palande.
Several senior officials attended the event, including:
Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Dr. Kailas Gaikwad
Municipal Secretary Chitra Bawiskar
Deputy Commissioner of Disaster Management Lalita Babar
Deputy Commissioner of Education Sangharatna Khillare
Deputy Commissioner of Sports Abhilasha Mhatre
Executive Engineers Ajay Sankhe and Shankar Jadhav
Assistant Commissioner of the Garden Department Rutuja Gawli
Assistant Commissioner of Koparkhairane Division Vasant Mundaware
Sanitation Officer Rajusingh Chavan
The event concluded with officials, dignitaries, and citizens taking a collective pledge to support the ‘Majhi Vasundhara’ campaign, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable living.
