01/03/2026
“A New Green Direction for Maharashtra through Miyawaki Forests”
Grand Award Ceremony of Dorf Ketal Jungle Cup 2.0 Held with Enthusiasm in Sangamner
Sangamner, February 27, 2026:
A powerful example of how government, society, and the corporate sector can come together for environmental conservation was witnessed at the grand award ceremony of Dorf Ketal Jungle Cup 2.0. The innovative Miyawaki tree plantation competition, initiated under the CSR initiative of Dorf Ketal Chemicals India Limited in collaboration with SAPREM NGO and Navdrushti NGO, is creating a new green movement across Maharashtra.
The ceremony was held at Dhole Patil Lawns in Ahilyanagar district and was graced by eminent personalities including renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh, Padma Shri awardee Chaitram Pawar, Member of Parliament Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Zilla Parishad CEO Anand Bhandari, Dr. Sudhir Tambe, Durga Tambe, social activists Natasha Mishra and Simantini Kokate, Block Development Officer Sandeep Vayal, along with representatives of participating villages.
300 Native Trees of 42 Species in Just One Guntha
Under the Miyawaki method, nearly 300 native trees of 42 different species are planted densely within a single guntha (approximately 1,089 sq. ft.). Due to close plantation, natural competition accelerates growth, resulting in a dense, biodiverse forest within just 2–3 years. So far, more than 155 villages across Maharashtra have developed Miyawaki forests, turning the initiative into a vibrant green movement.
Winning Gram Panchayats
The top-performing villages were felicitated as follows:
First Prize (₹1,00,000): Sonewadi (Sangamner Taluka)
Second Prize (₹75,000): Lahit Khurd (Akole Taluka)
Third Prize (₹50,000 shared): Kusur (Yevla Taluka) and Dongargaon (Karanja Taluka, Washim District)
Encouragement awards were also presented to Umbarada (Karanja), Rendale and Visapur (Yevla), and Maldad, Nilwande, and Sakur (Sangamner).
“Nature Honors Those Who Protect It” – Rajendra Singh
Addressing the gathering, Rajendra Singh stated, “This award is an honor from nature itself to those who protect it.” He emphasized that the loss of greenery disrupts rainfall cycles, leading to droughts and floods. Referring to his work in the Chambal region, he remarked, “It was not I who laid down the guns; it was water that laid them down,” highlighting how water conservation can bring profound social transformation.
Learning from Trees – A Message of Unity
CSR Head Santosh Jagdhane emphasized that in Miyawaki forests, 40–45 species grow together without discrimination. Trees only know how to give—even in death, they nourish others through their roots. He urged society to learn unity and generosity from trees.
Zilla Parishad CEO Anand Bhandari noted that when government bodies, communities, NGOs, and corporates collaborate, positive change accelerates. Dr. Prakash Gaikwad from SAPREM expressed confidence that today’s winning villages will become tomorrow’s role models, inspiring expansion of the green movement across Maharashtra.
A Growing Green Movement
The Dorf Ketal Jungle Cup is not merely a competition but an expanding social and environmental movement. The Miyawaki forests emerging across villages are becoming a green legacy for future generations and guiding Maharashtra toward sustainable development.
