Wins IMA’s ‘Green Doctor Award’

Dr. Ravi Wankhedkar, a 62-year-old surgeon from Dhule, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Green Doctor Award’ by the Maharashtra State Indian Medical Association (IMA) for his remarkable efforts in transforming 35 acres of barren land into a lush, green paradise over the past two decades.

Acquiring the land in 2003, Dr. Wankhedkar faced numerous challenges, particularly the recurring droughts that plagued the region. Despite these obstacles, he remained undeterred, employing innovative techniques like trenching, rainwater harvesting, and the construction of lakes and wells. Through tireless effort, he successfully planted over 10,000 trees and cultivated a thriving ecosystem on land that had been barren for over a century.

Dr. Wankhedkar’s environmental dedication is matched only by his successful medical career. In addition to being a former president of the National IMA and the SAARC Medical Association, he has been a strong advocate for environmental conservation, balancing his commitment to both healthcare and nature. His reforestation project, named ‘Ravishrusti,’ has seen the planting of native species carefully selected to restore local biodiversity.

The journey to revive the land was not without challenges. Dr. Wankhedkar recalled, “In the face of severe droughts, it was an ongoing battle just to keep the plants alive. But each tree that survived felt like a victory.” He invested considerable resources, including the use of water tankers to sustain the plants, a task that cost thousands but proved essential for the success of the project.

Looking ahead, Dr. Wankhedkar plans to establish a Nature School on the land to educate local students on plant identification, sustainable farming, and conservation. His commitment extends beyond his own property, having collaborated with various NGOs to plant over 50,000 trees in the surrounding hills, further expanding his reforestation efforts.

The IMA praised Dr. Wankhedkar for his contributions to both public health and environmental conservation. An official from the association remarked, "This award is a testament to Dr. Wankhedkar’s multifaceted contributions to environmental conservation and public health."

Dr. Wankhedkar's recognition highlights the growing role of doctors in promoting sustainable practices. An IMA spokesperson shared, "This award is part of our initiative to encourage doctors to actively engage in environmental conservation alongside their medical expertise, making a positive impact on both health and the environment."

The writer is a freelancer