Our Story

It all began with one person's unwavering belief that change was possible. Neil Gokhale, witnessing the alarming environmental warning signs around us - devastating heatwaves, rapid ozone depletion, and climate disasters - refused to remain a passive observer. What started as a simple tree plantation with a few friends on a breezy September morning in 2019 in Kothrud has blossomed into something far beyond anyone's imagination. From that humble beginning, Forengers has grown into a 700+ strong community of passionate young environmentalists, each Sunday bringing together like-minded souls determined to fight climate change, one action at a time.Our journey has been one of organic expansion and meaningful milestones. From our roots in Kothrud, we've spread our wings across Pune, establishing zones in Sahakarnagar, Hadapsar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and most recently in early 2025, Shivajinagar and Baner - bringing our total to six thriving zones. Each expansion brought dedicated zone leaders who shared our vision, and even during the challenging lockdown period, our community found innovative ways to stay connected through micro-farming, composting, and home-based environmental activities. But perhaps our proudest moment came in January 2025, when we officially registered as a Section 8 company, transforming from a passionate group of volunteers into a recognized NGO.Today, Forengers stands at an exciting crossroads of growth and impact. 2024 marked our entry into corporate collaborations, partnering with companies for sponsored plantation drives - a milestone that validated our work and opened new avenues for environmental action. We've also expanded our horizons beyond just environmental work, organizing donation drives during Diwali 2024 and launching engaging environmental awareness sessions in schools through partnerships with organizations like Idhaant. With over 2500 saplings planted, 400+ kg of waste cleaned, and countless lives touched, we continue to prove that when young hearts unite with a common purpose, they can indeed nurture the seeds of a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

Our Commitment to Conservation

Change is the only constant, yet our objective is to effect meaningful change. Our endeavors endure beyond weather fluctuations; they stand resilient against adversities as our initiatives align harmoniously with the environment. We consistently strive to go the extra mile in pursuit of a brighter future.
These are some of such endeavors we have undertaken.

Regular Sapling Nurture & Watering

Regular Sapling Nurture & Watering initiative by Forengers

Distinguishing ourselves as one of the few organizations undertaking such initiatives, our group diligently orchestrates regular watering drives. Our committed members make bi-weekly visits to the tree plantation site, where they meticulously water the plants, administer remedial measures for any observed damage, and document issues that require subsequent attention. In instances of identified damage to the pits surrounding the plants, essential for optimal water percolation, reconstruction is promptly carried out. Additionally, the functionality of installed drip systems is scrutinized to guarantee their proper operation.

These concerted efforts play a pivotal role in maintaining the hydration levels of the saplings, fostering inclusive growth across the entire plant population.

Tagging & Digital Mapping

Tagging & Digital Mapping initiative by Forengers

With the expansion of our sapling plantation efforts, accurate plant identification has become crucial. To address this, we initiated a project to create plant tags, innovatively using recycled plastic bottles collected during our cleanliness drives. This strategy not only allowed us to repurpose waste but also reinforced our dedication to sustainability.

Implementing these physical tags is key to efficiently monitoring and caring for our plants. To enhance this process, we also geo-tag each sapling by recording its precise GPS coordinates. This data is used to create a digital map of our plantation sites, giving us a complete bird's-eye view of our green cover. This interactive map allows our team to easily locate specific plants, track their progress, and strategically allocate resources, ensuring every sapling gets the attention it needs to thrive.

Growth Monitoring and Analysis

Growth Monitoring and Analysis initiative by Forengers

Following tree plantation drives, we diligently maintain a monthly record of the saplings' growth during our scheduled drives. This meticulous record-keeping serves as a crucial tool for analyzing growth patterns, enabling us to project expected growth and identify and address potential impediments. A 'Priority Status' designation is assigned to species encountering growth-related challenges, ensuring a targeted approach for inclusive growth. Thorough monitoring of both height and health parameters is undertaken to provide comprehensive insights and facilitate optimal growth conditions.

We deem this activity as of paramount importance, as it serves as a safeguard for the overall growth trajectory of the saplings under our care.

Green Shed Installation

Green Shed Installation initiative by Forengers

Following the completion of the plantation, we assume the responsibility of safeguarding our plants through the installation of green sheds. These structures comprise a robust, porous green cloth secured in a triangular configuration by bamboo sticks. The bamboo sticks serve as support, ensuring the integrity of the green sheds. This protective covering shields the plants from adverse conditions such as heavy rains, strong winds, direct heat and sunlight, as well as grazing animals.

The implementation of these protective measures has demonstrated a positive impact on establishing a conducive environment for the newly planted saplings.

Soil Nourishment

Soil Nourishment initiative by Forengers

We believe every sapling deserves the chance to grow strong. When our regular monitoring shows a plant is struggling, we give it a helping hand with our special Soil Nourishment care. We create a rich, organic mixture from natural materials like compost and sugarcane bagasse, crafting the perfect meal to boost its vitality.

This life giving blend is gently worked into the earth around the sapling's roots. A protective cover of dry leaves is then spread on top to keep the soil moist and healthy. This simple, nurturing act gives our vulnerable plants the strength they need to thrive, ensuring our green spaces grow full and resilient for years to come.