Social activists of WE (We for environment group) had been preparing for the day for almost four months now. "Considering the deteriorating green cover of the city, our group began planning to plant about one lakh trees in and around the city this monsoon," said Meghana Badjate, founder member.

She said after identifying spots for probable tree plantation, they began to dig pits in many areas in the city. "Around 1200 pits are ready in State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) premises in Satara area. We are waiting for the arrival of monsoon," she said.

"However, the drive took off today at Jawahar Colony. Many citizens have voluntarily exhibited interest to not only plant trees but also nurture them till they fully grow. We planted around 200 plants to begin with and citizens from as many as 25 colonies have approached us seeking our assistance," said Badjate.

Meanwhile, another group started by students - Prayas- this year plans to plant around 7000 trees, of which 5000 would be planted in Waluj MIDC area. "Since we started this green mission movement, we have till date planted 7000 saplings of which around 6000 have survived," said Ravi Chaudhary, founder member of the group.

Introducing an innovative method, a women's organisation - Jagruti Manch Mahila Bahudeshya Sanstha, Aurangabad on Sunday conducted a unique tree plantation drive.

The group donated around 1000 saplings to the citizens and also made them pledge that they would take care of the sapling as a child of their own.

"We have procured all details of the citizens who collected saplings from us, which would help us keep a check if the citizens are truly nurturing the plants," said group member Neha Gundewar.

Group of young volunteers of Civic Response Team (CRT), knowledge partner for AMC's Solid Waste management (SWM) project have been laying the groundwork for the day for almost five months now. They in association with the civic body and citizens began with clearing the area of garbage piles, put in place a waste disposal system and implemented a blanket ban on plastic. Their efforts were geared towards ensuring that Environment Day doesn't become a mere photo op of tree plantation drives or walkathons.

"Haphazard dumping of waste in the city had become a norm. We realized it was time to usher in change. We organized a clean-up drive with the help of AMC staffers and began segregating wet and dry waste. The response was overwhelming from residents as well. Today, we have achieved 100% segregation in over 36 wards, which we aim to achieve in all wards by this year," said founder member Gauri Mirashi.