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Indian Express
03-08-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Ex-Armyman-turned-forest guard's reforesting mission in Pune wins PM Modi's praise
The barren slopes of the Khandoba hill at Dhamankhel near Pune district's Junnar city tell a remarkable story of transformation. What was once a parched, lifeless land now thrives with over 1,200 trees, their roots drinking from trenches that store eight lakh litres of life-giving rainwater. Behind this green revolution stands Ramesh Kharmale, a former Armyman whose weekend hobby became a full-time mission and has caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'Our family's day starts at 5 am,' says Kharmale. 'By 5.30 am, we're in the field, watering, weeding, planting, digging. Three hours of work before the daily chores begin.' This disciplined approach reflects Kharmale's 17-year service in the Army's Maratha Light Infantry. After retiring from the Army in 2012, the Pune native with a farming background briefly worked as a security guard at Union Bank's Thergaon branch. But the air-conditioned comfort felt suffocating to a man accustomed to open fields. 'I realised I couldn't serve my country by sitting idle on a bank's desk,' Kharmale says. The solution came naturally from thinking about environmental conservation. While he continued his job at the bank, weekends became mission time for Kharmale and his family, who would trek to barren hilltops with spades and seeds. Continuous contour trenching Before each monsoon, they dug trenches and small pits along slopes to trap rainwater, a traditional technique called continuous contour trenching. Seeds planted in these natural reservoirs had the moisture they needed to establish roots, while the captured water slowly recharged underground aquifers. This has resulted in over 400 m of trenches now dotting the landscape, capable of recharging groundwater by over 16 million litres annually during good rainfall years. Fig, neem, bamboo, peepal, and mahogany trees have created a micro-ecosystem where once nothing grew.'' Recognising his work, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Kharmale's work in his 123rd Mann Ki Baat broadcast, adding, 'This recognition will inspire many others to become active agents of change.' That recognition was for his long-standing hard work. In 2013, Kharmale appeared for a Maharashtra Public Service Commission exam, determined to make environmental work his full-time career. Appointed as a forest guard in 2014, he gained official support for his grassroots reforestation efforts. 'PM Modi's words have boosted our morale tremendously,' says Kharmale. His latest project, an 'oxygen park' in Vadaj village near Dhamankhel, represents an evolution of his approach. The small forest patch is protected by trenches that serve dual purposes: water conservation and natural fencing against grazing animals. 'This model can be replicated anywhere,' Kharmale explains. 'And I believe that every forest department should try this approach across the country.' 'Get your hands dirty' Kharmale's impact extends beyond physical transformation. Through school visits across the state and an active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, he's building a team of environmental conservationists. His message is: 'Don't just post statuses about environment conservation, get your hands dirty.' 'Army discipline, forest department guidance, family support, and community encouragement have all contributed to this success, which began as a weekend activity and evolved into a life's mission,' Kharmale added. Recognising his conservation efforts, Kharmale has also been invited to the Independence Day celebrations in Delhi by the President Droupadi Murmu. The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
After 25 yrs in army, retd soldier aims to revive motherland in Junnar
Pune: After serving 25 years in the first battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry of the Indian Army, retired soldier Ramesh Kharmale (49) has embarked on a new mission to protect and revive nature. He, during his military career, participated in various operations, but that is not it. He has started digging trenches on the hills of the Sahyadri Ranges in Junnar taluka to plant trees and restore natural water resources. "Both duties that I performed are aimed at saving the motherland," Kharmale told TOI. "I applied my 'Paltan' work ethos to this endeavour and turned it into my new mission," he added. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune To his advantage, Kharmale found a dedicated partner in his wife, Swati. She works alongside to support the cause and their son Mayuresh (13) and daughter Vaishnavi (20) join them occasionally to contribute to the mission of planting seeds on the hills. He gives credit to his wife and children for working with him for the last few years. The 123rd episode of 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme on June 30, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised efforts by Ramesh Kharmale and his family in rejuvenating Junnar hills. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Swati said, "Apart from the family responsibilities, I found something meaningful and worthy in life to pursue for a lifetime. I feel extremely happy seeing our trees fully grown after years. This gives you an utmost satisfaction." "Awareness is the bedrock of society. I always strive to spark a sense of responsibility among youngsters, who can bring unbelievable results," Kharmale narrated. At present, Kharmale serves as a forest guard with the Junnar forest division and is actively involved in various roles beyond his official duty, said the forest officials. Pradip Chavan, the range forest officer of the Junnar range, under whom Kharmale worked for two years, described him as a 'highly motivated and determined' personnel. "He works tirelessly and sincerely. Because of these two qualities, he achieved unprecedented results in the field, wherein very few people work on the ground," added Chavan. Kharmale, with the help of villagers, developed the first 'Oxygen Park' in the Vadaj village. There are over 200 trees in the park. He said, "I aim to create such parks in several villages to create a condusive ecological balance to improve overall life." The infantryman wears several feathers in his hat as he actively participates in wildlife rescue operations, grass cutting, and head awareness campaigns in villages in Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Satara, and Kolhapur districts.
