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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.

Bad Roads, Ugly Politics


The pathetic state of roads in Mumbai city as well as its suburbs has made daily commute a dangerous affair. The residents are miffed with the BMC over its lackadaisical attitude. Mumbaikars tweet photos, post videos to grab attention, but everything is in vain. Who cares for the common people. Backbreaking journeys have become part and parcel of life. Political leaders are busy mud-slinging.


This year the monsoon took a break after almost four and half months. During this time some of the roads virtually became non commutable. It may be recalled that the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde first announced to make Mumbai roads pothole free.


Its almost two years now the BMC has concretised only 9 percent of roads it planned to concretise. This decision was taken when it came to light that due to the properties of bitumen in asphalt roads, potholes are a regular occurrence due to contact with water during monsoons.


Hence, to solve the problem of potholes, the corporation has adopted a policy of cement concreting of 6-meter-wide roads in phases. The decision was taken but the dilly-dallying affair made things more difficult.


Mumbai’s traffic does put a lot of strain on roads which is not the case in the other developed countries. Second most important aspect is concretisation of roads is done partly and in phases.


The worst problem which is faced is repeated digging for cables and drainage, which weakens the roads. Above all corruption in BMC makes matters worse as a result everything comes to grinding halt.


According to experts, repairing potholes is a reaction with symptomatic treatment. By and large we are dispensing superficial treatment without addressing the root cause. The long-term solution will be to have roads with no potholes but what we need is the means and technology to achieve this. But for this political will is necessary which we lack on every step.


Mumbaikar’s are convience that corruption in the municipal corporation is the main reason. Contractors have had a monopoly over the last 20 years and this is the reason why reputed companies never come ahead for these projects.


As a result, in the name of attendance and repair, the BMC does shoddy work. Crores are spent but the end result is nothing. The BMC is not paying attention to the crust. If the crust is weak, potholes will see an increase. Without any thought or technical know-how, potholes are filled with cold mix.


This is the reason why the city and suburbs continue to have craters on the roads.


Craters, a serious threat to the safety and security of people. Mumbaikars fade up from their repeated visits to orthopedic surgeons.


They are in a mood to teach a proper lesson to those who were at the helm of the affairs.

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