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By:

Jitendra Zavar

5 April 2026 at 4:30:23 pm

From barren land to lush green Devrai

The inspiring journey of Nashik’s ‘Tree Man’ Shekhar Gaikwad Nashik: If a person sets their mind to it, they can make the impossible possible. A prime example of this is the 'Mountain Man' of Bihar, Dashrath Manjhi, who carved a road through a mountain using only a hammer and chisel. His life story was even adapted into a highly successful film. Such passionate personalities are found in many places, and Shekhar Gaikwad of Nashik is one of them. He has taken up the mission of making the city...

From barren land to lush green Devrai

The inspiring journey of Nashik’s ‘Tree Man’ Shekhar Gaikwad Nashik: If a person sets their mind to it, they can make the impossible possible. A prime example of this is the 'Mountain Man' of Bihar, Dashrath Manjhi, who carved a road through a mountain using only a hammer and chisel. His life story was even adapted into a highly successful film. Such passionate personalities are found in many places, and Shekhar Gaikwad of Nashik is one of them. He has taken up the mission of making the city green. Regardless of whether he receives help or not, he has continued his work. Dedicated to tree conservation for the past three decades, this enthusiast is known today as the 'Tree Man' of Nashik. He has planted more than 1.5 lakh trees. A mechanical engineer by profession, Shekhar Gaikwad always had a passion for the environment. This led him to start his afforestation work in 1998. He conducted an in-depth study of native species that are beneficial to the environment and launched plantation drives in various parts of Nashik. The most significant milestone in this journey is the 'Fashicha Dongar' (Hangman's Hill) area near Satpur. This historical hill, where freedom fighters were hanged during the British era, lay barren. It was covered with 'Gliricidia' trees, which degrade the soil quality. Taking it as a challenge, Shekhar Gaikwad sought permission from the Forest Department to transform this hill. On June 5, 2015, the site was named 'Devrai' (Sacred Grove). Since then, the hill began to turn lush green. Today, more than 35,000 trees of native species are thriving across this 100-acre expanse. This area is no longer just a forest but has become a 'Biodiversity Park' rich in life, providing a natural habitat for many birds and wildlife. The hill has now become a center for nature tourism. Gaikwad's devotion to nature is astounding. While managing his business, he spends every Saturday and Sunday in this Devrai without fail. He prioritises manual labour (Shramdaan) over family functions or weddings. Consequently, his friends and relatives now plan their events on days other than Saturday or Sunday. Initially, he had about 15 volunteers, but that number gradually decreased. Now, he carries out this work himself along with two security guards. Due to the dense forest, the presence of leopards has increased, and he often encounters snakes while working, yet his mission continues unabated. Without Aid Shekhar Gaikwad implements all his environmental projects solely through community participation, without any government or political assistance. The monthly expenditure, including the salaries of two security guards and other costs, amounts to approximately Rs 90,000. He manages this expense through his own funds and with the help of nature-loving citizens. Gaikwad does not stop at tree conservation; he loves animals and birds equally. He treats injured birds at his own expense. Today, due to the "concrete jungle," sparrows are on the verge of extinction. Therefore, he is also running a campaign to save sparrows. To provide them a space in homes, he creates sparrow nests and sells them on a 'no profit, no loss' basis. Gaikwad has also started a unique experiment of a 'Nature Library' within the Devrai forest. The library houses numerous books providing information on trees, grass, bamboo, shrubs, vines, birds, animals, snakes, butterflies, and bees.

Navy doc treat injured Pakistani crew

Mumbai: In a humanitarian gesture, the Indian Navy (IN) rendered lifesaving medical assistance to save the life of a Pakistani crewman on an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea, officials said.


The operation took place on Friday/Saturday around 350 nautical miles in the high seas off Oman coast, with the help of the stealth frigate INS Trikand.


On April 4, the INS Trikand monitored a distress call from the Omani vessel 'Al Omeedi' seeking help for a crew member, who was seriously injured with multiple fractures and blood loss.


Further enquiry revealed that the distressed crewman was working on the vessel's engine when he sustained the grievous injuries and was transferred to another Iran-bound dhow, 'FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia', in the vicinity.

On getting the SOS, INS Trikand immediately altered her course to rush medical assistance to the injured crew.


The 'FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia' has a contingent of 11 Pakistanis and 5 Iranians manning the vessel.


The Indian warship's medical officer along with a team of Marine Commandos boarded the FV.


Ob board, the MO started the three hour long medical procedures, controlling the blood flow, suturing and splinting of the crew's injured fingers.

It was a timely response which prevented the patient's total loss of the injured fingers due to gangrene.


The IN stealth warship also provided crucial medical supplies, antibiotics to the FV to ensure the injured crew's wellbeing till the dhow reaches Iran.


The entire crew of the dhow expressed their gratitude to the IN for rendering assistance on time that helped saving their injured mate's life, said the IN officials.

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