The prestigious UttamraoPatil award was presented to Nimjisarpanch by high court judge ArunChoudhari. A host of others events marked the day with a pledge to save forests. A jungle safari in FDCM area was opened at SadakArjuni tehsil from Patekura to Umarzarilake and Mandav Devi to Ambenalla. Gondia divisional manager RD Masirkar, assistant manager DS Adikane, and others were present.

In a programme at Van Bhavan, RFO of Nagalwadi in Pench buffer NileshGawande (32) was honoured with 'SLTP conservation hero award' under the 12-year-old Satpuda Landscape Tiger Programme (SLTP). A certificate and cheque of Rs25,000 were handed over to him by chief wildlife warden Shree Bhagwan. Dr Sanjeev Chaudhari, Harshawardhan Arya, veteran conservationist Gopal Thosar and SLTP partner KishorRithe were present. Gawande was instrumental in removing encroachments from Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary in Jalgaon.

The day was also celebrated at FDCM's Ambazari premises, where general manager TK Choubey highlighted the importance of forests, climate change and environment in day to day life. DM RK Tiwari, AM ANSonurkar, RFO RS Gawande and field staff were present. On this occasion tree plantation activity was carried out. Besides, a cleanliness drive was also launched.

The social forestry department (SFD) in association with Dr BabasahebAmbedkar College, Deekshabhoomi, also organized several events. Over 90 people were part of a 22km cycle rally organized to spread awareness about forest conservation. The rally was flagged off from Maharajbagh by SFD deputy director general Mahip Gupta and CCF TSK Reddy. Street play, painting and drawing competitions marked the concluding function.

Speaking on the occasion, divisional commissioner Anup Kumar called to increase forest cover to mandatory 33%.