<p>Encroaching government land to build houses, commercial complexes, or sell it off for profit is a known issue. But, in a remarkable move to protect government land from encroachment, the residents of Baad village in Dharwad taluk celebrated Vanamahotsava by planting 2,500 saplings in just two hours.</p><p>More than 500 people of Baad, along with the support from neighbouring villages, picked up shovels and pickaxes early in the morning and gave new life to the village’s Gomala (grazing land). They planted over 25 varieties of fruit-bearing, medicinal, and eco-friendly plants.</p><p>Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s All-India Organisational Head Mangesh Bhende who inaugurated the programme, emphasised the urgent need for environmental conservation. He said, “The time has come for villagers to once again focus on preserving nature. In other states, people dedicate at least a day to the environment. Local festivals should be celebrated in nearby forests with simple, traditional food. Villagers must take responsibility for protecting the saplings they plant.”</p><p>Siddashivayogi from Siddashrama at Devarahubballi, who was also present, stated that nature is a gift from God, and it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve it for future generations. </p><p>In his introductory remarks, villager Kallanagouda Patil recalled how, in the past, farmers had to pay taxes for this Jagir land, and if they lacked money, they had to give their cattle in lieu of tax. “But our elders fought with determination, even approaching the Bombay High Court, and won the right to this land. Because of their struggle, we still have a thriving environment today,” he explained.</p><p>Several prominent members of RSS including Shridhar Nadiger, Mallikarjun Jodalli, Ningappa Madivalar, Hanumanthappa Amblennavar, Nagappa Jodalli, Shivanand Menasinakai, and Yallappa Madar were present at the event.</p><p>The Vanamahotsava was organised by Sai Garments, Jeevana Mukti Foundation, and Aarya Grama Baad. Baad village has around 500 acres of naturally rich land, including Gomala. In recent years, land mafia tried to grab this area. But by planting saplings, the villagers have protected thegovernment property. They have also taken responsibility for nurturing and preserving the saplings, said the villagers.</p>
<p>Encroaching government land to build houses, commercial complexes, or sell it off for profit is a known issue. But, in a remarkable move to protect government land from encroachment, the residents of Baad village in Dharwad taluk celebrated Vanamahotsava by planting 2,500 saplings in just two hours.</p><p>More than 500 people of Baad, along with the support from neighbouring villages, picked up shovels and pickaxes early in the morning and gave new life to the village’s Gomala (grazing land). They planted over 25 varieties of fruit-bearing, medicinal, and eco-friendly plants.</p><p>Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s All-India Organisational Head Mangesh Bhende who inaugurated the programme, emphasised the urgent need for environmental conservation. He said, “The time has come for villagers to once again focus on preserving nature. In other states, people dedicate at least a day to the environment. Local festivals should be celebrated in nearby forests with simple, traditional food. Villagers must take responsibility for protecting the saplings they plant.”</p><p>Siddashivayogi from Siddashrama at Devarahubballi, who was also present, stated that nature is a gift from God, and it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve it for future generations. </p><p>In his introductory remarks, villager Kallanagouda Patil recalled how, in the past, farmers had to pay taxes for this Jagir land, and if they lacked money, they had to give their cattle in lieu of tax. “But our elders fought with determination, even approaching the Bombay High Court, and won the right to this land. Because of their struggle, we still have a thriving environment today,” he explained.</p><p>Several prominent members of RSS including Shridhar Nadiger, Mallikarjun Jodalli, Ningappa Madivalar, Hanumanthappa Amblennavar, Nagappa Jodalli, Shivanand Menasinakai, and Yallappa Madar were present at the event.</p><p>The Vanamahotsava was organised by Sai Garments, Jeevana Mukti Foundation, and Aarya Grama Baad. Baad village has around 500 acres of naturally rich land, including Gomala. In recent years, land mafia tried to grab this area. But by planting saplings, the villagers have protected thegovernment property. They have also taken responsibility for nurturing and preserving the saplings, said the villagers.</p>
