Nagpur: Over 12,262 kg of garbage was removed from the historic Amrai forest in Sonegaon during a 17-day cleanliness campaign jointly undertaken by Vrukshit Foundation, the Save Sonegaon Amrai Group, and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The drive, conducted between June 5-21, brought together over 1,000 participants, including citizens, volunteers, social workers, corporators, students and civic officials. Led by social influencer Lokesh Thota, the initiative focused on restoring the ecological health and heritage value of the nearly 300-year-old mango grove dating back to the Bhonsle era.Volunteers from Vrukshit Foundation, worked across the forest to remove accumulated waste that had accumulated over several years. The campaign also included the cleaning of a historic Bhonsle-era Barav (stepwell), from which thousands of kilograms of discarded bottles and other waste materials were retrieved.According to volunteers, the 12,262 kg figure does not include the large quantity of liquor and beer bottles recovered during the operation, indicating that the actual volume of waste removed was significantly higher.The Sonegaon Amrai, one of Nagpur’s oldest surviving green spaces, has increasingly become a gathering spot for visitors due to its scenic surroundings and secluded location. However, birthday celebrations, picnics and late-night gatherings have led to large-scale littering, posing a threat to both the historic grove and the centuries-old stepwell.In addition to the recent campaign, members of the Save Sonegaon Amrai Group have been conducting regular clean-up activities for the past two months. Speaking about the initiative, Lokesh Thota said the campaign aimed not only to remove waste but also to create awareness about environmental conservation and responsible waste disposal. While the 17-day drive concluded on Sunday, organisers said efforts to keep the forest clean would continue through sustained community participation.The NMC felicitated Vrukshit Foundation and the volunteers involved in the initiative in recognition of their efforts. NMC has also indicated that large garbage bins will soon be installed in the area to discourage littering.The organisers appealed to visitors, especially youngsters frequenting the scenic grove, to avoid littering and help preserve the historic forest and stepwell for future generations.
