This week’s inspiring news article comes from our dedicated tree-planter and friend, Chhaya Taralekar. Chhaya recently made our news when she planted 45 trees in Mumbai, India. You can read the article here.

Now, Chhaya has another beautiful story to share. She tells us that a neglected bus stop in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India, has received a new lease of life thanks to a community effort led by her and members of the Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Sunrise.

The transformation took place at the Belpada Gaon Bus Stop as part of a “Freedom from Filth” campaign held just before India’s Independence Day. On August 14, volunteers came together to clean the neglected area, removing almost two truckloads of plastic, waste, and other rubbish.

But the group did not stop with cleaning.

The former waste-filled space was transformed into a greener and more welcoming place for local residents and commuters. The Rotary Club planted 39 native trees, including Arjun, Bakul, Vad, Pipal, Amba, Kadunimb, Karanj, and Tamhan. Additionally, twelve ornamental shrubs, including Madhumalti, Ixora, and Croton, were planted to improve the appearance of the area.

The inspiring project has a simple but meaningful goal: to create a naturally shaded and comfortable place where people can wait for their buses while also bringing life back to a neglected corner of the community.

The project was supported by the Panvel Municipal Corporation, demonstrating the value of cooperation between local government, environmental volunteers, and community organisations.

Chhaya Taralekar has become well known in Kharghar for connecting tree planting with everyday community life, and her environmental work goes beyond simply “putting trees into the ground”. She regularly encourages people to choose native species, select suitable planting locations, and, most importantly, care for the trees after they are planted.

In 2025, Taralekar spoke about the importance of moving beyond symbolic plantation drives. She explained that many young trees fail to survive because they are planted without proper planning or follow-up care, and encouraged communities to consider soil, drainage, water, available space, and the mature size of a tree before planting.

Her work also reflects a broader understanding of what trees can bring to cities, as trees can provide shade, support biodiversity, help protect soil and water, and make urban spaces more pleasant for people.

A very big THANK YOU to Chhaya and her fellow Green Warriors for once again leading by example and for showing us how easy it is to make a change to our immediate environment. We are so happy to read and see how, together, a small group of people can bring about beautiful changes for the whole community.

Chhaya, we appreciate all that you do for your community, for India, and for Mother Earth!

_____

References:
https://www.newsband.in/article_detail/kharghars-plantation-lady-shares-vital-tips-for-tree-survival

Images sourced from Chhaya’s Facebook page.