Pune: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed a story by The Free Press Journal, reposting it via the PMO’s official handle on X, along with the handles of his personal website and Mann Ki Baat Updates.
About Ramesh Kharmale
In the 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat aired on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the remarkable efforts of Ramesh Kharmale, a 49-year-old forest guard from Pune, for his dedication to reviving the hills of Junnar. The FPJ followed by featuring Kharmale, a former army soldier, now serves as a forest guard and has been instrumental in transforming the landscape through tree plantation drives and environmental conservation.
Originally from Khodad village in Junnar taluka, Kharmale served in the Indian Army and retired in 2012. After a short stint in banking and then running an academy to train young people for Army recruitment, he finally found his calling as a Forest Guard after passing the Forest Department exam.
PM Modi, in his monthly address, said, “Pune's Ramesh Kharmale used to go to Junnar's hills with his family, clear bushes, dig trenches to conserve water, and sow seeds. In just two months, he made 70 trenches, and numerous ponds... He is also creating an Oxygen Park, and as a result, birds are returning, wildlife is getting rejuvenated.”
At Vadaj village near Junnar city, Kharmale has developed an Oxygen Park with public support. The park now hosts a wide variety of trees, and with time, it is expected to become a rich habitat for biodiversity. On weekends, Kharmale and his family dedicate their time to the environment. While he digs trenches on the hillsides to capture rainwater, his wife, Swati, removes weeds from historical stepwells.
Their children, Mayuresh and Vaishnavi, contribute by dropping seeds into the pits. The family’s collective efforts are helping bring back greenery, birds, and wildlife to the region. After the Prime Minister mentioned him in Mann Ki Baat, Kharmale posted a thank-you note on Facebook, saying the recognition has given him the motivation to continue his mission.
