Tree Plantation Drive 2024
Tree Plantation Drive at Tandulwadi Fort – July 21, 2024
A tree plantation drive was conducted on July 21, 2024, at Tandulwadi Fort. During the initiative, two-year-old saplings of native tree species—Reetha, Bakul, Karmal, Katesavar, Moh, Palash, Bibba, Patranjivi, Undi, Behada, Banyan, and Peepal—were planted.
A total of 74 saplings were planted in the “Hajeri Mal” area and other open spaces around the fort. Twenty-two members actively participated in the drive. Their wholehearted efforts and collective teamwork made the plantation campaign a great success.
Raireshwar Bridge constrction - 40 years of Chakram - January 2024
Raireshwar Bridge Construction Project – Inauguration Ceremony
On January 15, 2023, Chakram Hikers marked 40 years since its founding. To celebrate this milestone in a meaningful way, the members decided to commemorate the occasion through a unique social initiative.
One of the key initiatives planned was to create public utility facilities for villagers living in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, who have always been supportive of trekkers. As preparations were underway for a concluding ceremony to be held in January 2024 at Raireshwar for around 100–150 participants, the organization’s survey team visited Raireshwar in mid-October.
During this visit, near a temporary iron structure beside the Raireshwar temple—essentially an iron ladder placed over a dry stream—the team met a local villager. He explained that a strong, permanent bridge at that location would greatly benefit villagers, schoolchildren commuting daily, and tourists visiting Raireshwar. Other villagers echoed this need. They also pointed out that constructing a permanent bridge near the drinking water tank would be especially helpful, particularly for women who regularly fetch water.
The survey team presented this proposal to the executive committee, suggesting that the organization provide financial support for constructing both bridges. To gather detailed information and cost estimates before taking a final decision, a team comprising Sushil Desai, Ramesh Pawar, and Amol Arde, led by senior member and civil engineer Vinay Nafade, visited Raireshwar. Shortly thereafter, the villagers formally submitted a written request to the organization.
After reviewing all the details, Chakram decided to fund the construction of both bridges. It was also resolved that the bridge near the temple would be wide and sturdy enough to allow a bullock cart to pass.
The Bhumi pujan was done on December 2, 2023. Vinay Nafade, Sushil Desai, Ramesh Pawar, and Amol Arde worked with great dedication to bring the project to completion, with valuable support from members of the Chakram family in Satara, Wai, and Mumbai.
The bridges were inaugurated on January 13, 2024, in a simple and informal ceremony at Raireshwar. The president, vice-president, and secretary of the Raireshwar Village Association, along with villagers and members of the Chakram family, were present.
The sight of a bullock cart and schoolchildren using the bridge for the first time was a truly memorable moment for everyone involved.
Corona Pandemic Social Initiative April 2020
Friends,
Our organization’s appeal to do our bit in supporting those affected by the COVID-19 crisis received an overwhelming and heartening response from our well-wishers. Over the past two weeks, a total of approximately Rs. 1,40,501/- was collected. With an additional contribution of Rs. 50,000/- from the organization, around Rs. 1,90,500/- was made available for utilization. The entire amount was fully utilized by April 20. The details are as follows:
- Donation of 50 PPE kits to Bhagwati Hospital, designated for the treatment of COVID-19 patients – Rs. 65,232/-
- Cash donation to Seva Sahayog, an organization providing support to migrant workers, the underprivileged, and other needy individuals – Rs. 75,000/-
- Cash donation to Shivprabha Charitable Trust to distribute ration kits to approximately 115 families in the Thane region – Rs. 51,000/-
In total, Rs. 1,91,232/- has been distributed.
We extend our sincere gratitude once again to all our donors and well-wishers for their generous support. We hope that we emerge from this crisis at the earliest and that our nation’s economy and social fabric are restored to normalcy soon.
Mahesh Bhalerao
President
Chakram Hikers, Mulund
