Peepal Person: How Maharashtra MLA Suhas Babar's Unique Green Mission Has Caught On

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 17:36 IST

Having won polls by a margin of 78,178 votes, Babar announced that an equal number of trees would be planted across Sangli, starting with a single peepal tree

What started with the relocation of a single peepal tree has today grown into a powerful people’s movement for environmental conservation in Maharashtra’s Sangli district. Led by MLA Suhas Babar, the initiative has evolved into a citizen-driven campaign popularly known as the “Tree Army", bringing together thousands of people with a shared mission to protect and plant trees.

The movement began in the Khanapur-Atpadi region with a simple but impactful idea — trees should not be cut in the name of development when they can instead be preserved and relocated. According to Suhas Babar, the successful rehabilitation of a peepal tree became an emotional turning point that inspired people to participate in large numbers. Soon, citizens began voluntarily contributing land, water, saplings, and labour for the cause.

Taking forward the environmental vision of late MLA Anil Babar, known for his deep connection with soil and nature, Suhas Babar made a unique pledge after the 2024 assembly elections. Having won by a margin of 78,178 votes, he announced that an equal number of trees would be planted across the region.

The campaign gained massive traction after Babar shared the “peepal tree story" on social media. The emotional appeal resonated widely, and people themselves started referring to the growing movement as the “Tree Army".

The initiative has also witnessed several meaningful community contributions. As a tribute to his mother on her death anniversary, Suhas Babar planted 5,300 mango saplings. In another gesture, a corporator from the Vita Municipal Council donated 52 fully grown trees to the campaign, while the Alasand Gram Panchayat undertook the plantation of 500 saplings.

With support from the Sangli district administration and the Forest Department, plans are now underway to develop a Miyawaki forest using the Japanese plantation technique. Large indigenous shade-giving trees are also being planted along roadsides and grazing lands to restore the region’s disappearing green cover.

On June 5, World Environment Day, the Tree Army will undertake another major plantation drive featuring banyan, peepal, karanj, bahava, and tamarind trees. More than just a plantation campaign, the initiative has now become a symbol of community participation, environmental responsibility, and reconnecting people with their roots.

News india Peepal Person: How Maharashtra MLA Suhas Babar's Unique Green Mission Has Caught On

Read More