Vijaypura’s Green Revolution: 20,000 Enthusiasts Launch Ambitious 5 Crore Sapling Goalš³
Vijayapura, December 7, 2025 ā In a powerful display of environmental commitment and civic pride, over 20,000 enthusiasts from India and abroad converged in Vijayapura today for the Vrukshathon-2025 Heritage Run. Led by District-Incharge Minister M. B. Patil, the event was hailed as a tremendous success, uniting participants behind the twin goals of environmental protection and heritage conservation.
The massive turnout underscores the regionās invigorated push to significantly enhance its green cover while ensuring the preservation of its historic architectural treasures.
A Decade-Long Vision for a Greener District
Addressing the participants, Minister M. B. Patil unveiled an ambitious, long-term environmental target for the district. āThe preservation of historic monuments in the district is being prioritised, but our dedication to the environment is equally strong,ā he stated.
The Minister announced a monumental goal: planting five crore saplings over the next ten years. This commitment builds upon the success of the ongoing ‘Vruksha Laksha Abhiyana’ program.
Patil highlighted the remarkable progress already achieved. Since the program’s inception in 2016ā17, 1.5 crore saplings have been successfully planted and nurtured, leading to a tenfold increase in forest cover.
āForest cover, which was earlier just 0.17 percent, has now increased to 2 percent,ā he emphasised. āUltimately, we must pass on a clean and beautiful environment to the next generation. With this Vrukshathon Heritage run, we have truly created history.ā
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre joined M. B. Patil in flagging off the run and personally participated, covering the 5 km stretch to motivate the participants, setting an inspiring example.
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The Run for a Cause
The ‘Vrukshathon Heritage Run’ was meticulously organised as a joint initiative by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Forest and Tourism Departments, and the Vruksha Laksha Abhiyana Trust.
The run featured three competitive categoriesā21 km, 10 km, and 5 km, drawing a diverse crowd of amateur and professional runners.
Celebrating Winners and Unsung Heroes
The event concluded with a high-spirited felicitation ceremony. The first three winners in each of the 26 categories across the men’s and women’s divisions were presented with attractive cash prizes by Minister Patil and other dignitaries.
The occasion also served as a moment to honour local heroes who have made significant contributions to the community and its heritage:
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Bhimashankar Madagala of Indi taluk Police Department.
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Mumbai-based athlete Shreyas Yashavantrao.
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Kengalgutti School Headmaster Hanamanta Kataraki.
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Retired Archaeology Department staff member Maulasab Mainuddinsab.
The successful event saw the participation of key officials, including Deputy Commissioner K. Anand, District Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi, ZP CEO Rishi Anand, Balavikasa Academy President Sangamesha Babaleshwara, Mayor M. S. Karadi, Urban Development Authority Chairman Kannan Musharraf, CCF Manjunath Chavhan, and the eventās various sponsors. The overwhelming participation signals a strong and unified move toward a greener and more historically aware Vijayapura.
Key Quotes
The following are the most relevant and impactful quotes, with proper attribution, to be used within the news story:
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On the Vision and Legacy:
āUltimately, we must pass on a clean and beautiful environment to the next generation. With this Vrukshathon Heritage run, we have truly created history.ā ā M. B. Patil, District-Incharge Minister
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On the Progress Achieved:
āForest cover, which was earlier just 0.17 percent, has now increased to 2 percent.ā ā M. B. Patil, District-Incharge Minister
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On the Combined Priority:
āThe preservation of historic monuments in the district is being prioritised, but our dedication to the environment is equally strong.ā ā M. B. Patil, District-Incharge Minister
