10 Years of Nelda Foundation

Can a single tree plantation drive grow into a movement that inspires thousands of people?

Can a group of volunteers transform a barren hill into a greener, healthier ecosystem through consistency and dedication?

And what happens when a simple idea, planting and nurturing trees, is pursued every week for an entire decade?

On 26th June 2026, Nelda Foundation completes 10 years of environmental action, community engagement, and ecological restoration.

What began in 2016 as a small initiative with a handful of volunteers and a shared vision has grown into a community-driven movement focused on making Pune greener, healthier, and more sustainable for future generations.

Over the last decade, Nelda Foundation has planted thousands of trees, engaged thousands of volunteers, promoted environmental awareness, and demonstrated that meaningful environmental change comes not from one-time events but from consistent action over time.

Perhaps most importantly, Nelda has shown that tree planting is only the beginning. The real impact comes from nurturing those trees, protecting them, and helping them grow into thriving ecosystems.

In this blog, we look back at 10 years of Nelda Foundation, the milestones achieved, the lessons learned, and the incredible community that made this journey possible.

Why 10 Years of Environmental Action Matters

Environmental challenges do not appear overnight.

Urban heat islands, declining biodiversity, shrinking green spaces, and climate change are the result of years of environmental neglect.

Similarly, meaningful environmental restoration requires long-term commitment.

The story of Nelda Foundation demonstrates what can happen when volunteers, citizens, and communities consistently work toward a common environmental goal.

Over the past decade, the organisation has focused not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their survival through regular maintenance and community involvement.

• Creates long-term environmental impact
• Restores urban green spaces
• Improves biodiversity and ecosystem health
• Encourages citizen participation
• Builds environmental awareness
• Supports climate resilience
• Inspires future generations
• Creates measurable ecological outcomes
• Strengthens community engagement
• Demonstrates the power of consistent action

As Nelda Foundation celebrates its tenth anniversary, it is worth reflecting on the milestones that have shaped this journey.

10 Years of Nelda Foundation: A Decade of Trees, Volunteers, and Environmental Impact

1. Starting the Journey in 2016

Every meaningful movement begins with a single step.

On 26th June 2016, Nelda Foundation organised its first environmental activity at Hanuman Tekdi in Pune. A group of volunteers came together with a simple mission: plant trees and contribute to a greener future.

What appeared to be a modest beginning became the foundation for a decade of environmental work.

• First plantation drive conducted
• Volunteers united around a common mission
• Environmental awareness initiated
• Long-term vision established
• Foundation for future growth created

2. Building a Mission Bigger Than Tree Plantation

From the beginning, Nelda understood that environmental conservation required more than simply planting saplings.

The organisation adopted a broader vision focused on restoring ecosystems, engaging communities, and creating sustainable environmental impact.

This approach helped transform individual activities into a larger environmental movement.

• Focus on long-term sustainability
• Community engagement prioritised
• Environmental education encouraged
• Ecosystem restoration promoted
• Lasting impact emphasised

3. Planting Thousands of Trees

One of the most visible achievements of the past decade has been the planting of thousands of trees across Pune.

Each tree represents a contribution towards cleaner air, improved biodiversity, greater shade cover, and a healthier urban environment.

More importantly, every plantation reflects the collective effort of volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to environmental action.

Readers interested in the wider impact of these efforts can explore Nelda’s environmental impact over the years.

• Thousands of trees planted
• Green cover increased
• Biodiversity supported
• Carbon sequestration improved
• Urban ecosystems strengthened

4. Creating a Community of Volunteers

Environmental change happens when people come together.

Over the last 10 years, thousands of volunteers have participated in Nelda Foundation’s activities.

Students, professionals, families, senior citizens, and environmental enthusiasts have all contributed to the mission.

This growing community remains one of Nelda’s greatest achievements.

Those interested in joining future initiatives can volunteer with Nelda and become part of the next chapter of this journey.

• Thousands of volunteers engaged
• Community participation strengthened
• Environmental awareness expanded
• Long-term relationships built
• Shared responsibility encouraged

5. Transforming Hanuman Tekdi Through Consistent Action

Hanuman Tekdi has become synonymous with Nelda Foundation’s journey.

Instead of conducting isolated plantation drives at different locations, Nelda chose to focus significant efforts on developing and maintaining this important green space.

Through continuous plantation and maintenance activities, Hanuman Tekdi has become a symbol of what sustained environmental action can achieve.

• Dedicated restoration efforts
• Increased tree cover
• Improved ecological health
• Enhanced biodiversity
• Community ownership encouraged

6. Making Sunday Environmental Action a Tradition

Perhaps one of Nelda’s most unique achievements is consistency.

Every Sunday, volunteers gather at Hanuman Tekdi to care for trees and support ongoing environmental restoration efforts.

For many volunteers, these weekly activities have become a meaningful tradition and an opportunity to contribute directly to environmental conservation.

This commitment has continued through changing seasons, challenging weather conditions, and the passage of time.

• Weekly volunteer activities established
• Long-term participation encouraged
• Environmental stewardship promoted
• Consistent action maintained
• Community culture developed

7. Prioritising Tree Maintenance Alongside Plantation

Many plantation initiatives focus heavily on the number of trees planted.

Nelda Foundation has always believed that survival matters just as much as plantation.

Every Sunday, volunteers carry out maintenance activities such as watering saplings, removing weeds, applying organic nutrients, monitoring growth, and protecting young trees from damage.

This ongoing care significantly improves survival rates and ensures that planted trees continue to grow and thrive.

• Watering activities conducted regularly
• Tree health monitored
• Weeds removed
• Growth supported through maintenance
• Higher survival rates achieved

8. Promoting Environmental Awareness

The impact of Nelda extends beyond plantation sites.

Through educational content, community engagement, awareness campaigns, and environmental discussions, the organisation has encouraged citizens to become more environmentally conscious.

This awareness helps create lasting behavioural change that benefits both communities and ecosystems.

You can also learn how expanding Pune’s green cover contributes to a healthier and more resilient city.

• Sustainability awareness promoted
• Citizens educated on environmental issues
• Community participation increased
• Environmental responsibility encouraged
• Positive action inspired

9. Building a Strong Foundation for Future Growth

A decade of environmental action has created something larger than individual plantation drives.

Nelda has built systems, processes, volunteer networks, and community support that provide a strong foundation for future expansion.

The lessons learned over the past ten years continue to guide future initiatives and environmental projects.

The organisation’s growing focus on urban forests for carbon capture demonstrates how long-term environmental planning can deliver measurable benefits.

• Organisational capacity strengthened
• Volunteer networks expanded
• Community trust established
• Long-term sustainability improved
• Future opportunities created

10. Keeping the Vision of a Greener India Alive

Throughout the last decade, one thing has remained constant: the vision.

Nelda Foundation continues to work towards helping people plant and grow one billion trees across India by 2041.

While the journey ahead remains ambitious, the achievements of the first ten years demonstrate what is possible when people unite around a common purpose.

Every tree planted, every volunteer engaged, and every Sunday spent caring for nature brings that vision closer to reality.

Individuals and organisations can also support this mission by choosing to donate a tree and contribute to future plantation efforts.

• Long-term mission maintained
• Environmental impact expanded
• Communities inspired
• Future generations considered
• Vision-driven growth sustained

How Tree Maintenance Happens Every Sunday at Hanuman Tekdi

Tree planting is only the first step.

The real challenge begins after the saplings are planted.

This is why Nelda Foundation conducts regular tree maintenance activities every Sunday at Hanuman Tekdi.

Volunteers gather to water saplings, remove weeds, inspect tree health, clear plantation areas, support soil health, and ensure that young trees receive the care they need to survive.

These activities are especially important during the summer months when water stress can threaten newly planted trees.

By consistently maintaining plantation sites, Nelda Foundation ensures that environmental impact continues long after the initial plantation drive has ended.

This commitment to maintenance is one of the key reasons the organisation has been able to create meaningful and lasting ecological change over the last decade.

• Weekly maintenance activities
• Watering and nurturing saplings
• Weed removal and site care
• Monitoring tree health
• Improving long-term survival rates

Looking Ahead to the Next Decade

The first ten years have demonstrated the power of consistent environmental action.

The next decade presents even greater opportunities.

As Pune continues to grow and environmental challenges become more complex, the need for community-driven ecological restoration will only increase.

Nelda Foundation remains committed to expanding its impact, engaging more volunteers, planting and nurturing more trees, and creating greener, healthier spaces for future generations.

The journey that began in 2016 is far from over.

In many ways, it is only just beginning.

Final Thoughts

Ten years ago, a small group of volunteers gathered with a simple goal: to make the world greener than they found it.

Today, that vision has grown into thousands of trees, thousands of volunteers, countless hours of environmental work, and a thriving community committed to creating positive change.

The story of Nelda’s environmental impact is not simply about trees.

It is about people.

It is about consistency.

It is about showing up every Sunday, every season, and every year to care for the environment and create a legacy that future generations can benefit from.

As Nelda Foundation celebrates 10 years of trees, volunteers, and environmental impact, it also celebrates everyone who has contributed to the journey and everyone who will help shape the next decade of growth.

Together, we have planted more than trees.

We have planted hope for a greener future.