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NAVI MUMBAI: In order to create more awareness on the importance of planting more trees, a drive was conducted at the banks of Kharghar lake on Sunday. This was organised by a group of nature lovers from the city. This was held ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, which will be observed on April 2.

Special children, along with their parents from the city, Raigad and Thane took part in the drive. They planted a variety of flowering and fruit trees in Kharghar. Volunteers from ‘Adopt the Lake’ and ‘La Casa’ that work for the children with special needs also participated in the drive.

Under the supervision of activist Dharmendra Kar, parents and children planted chikoo, mango, coconut, guava, custard apple, banana and a number of flowering plants. The NGOs also donated iron grills that will be put as fencing around the plants to protect them.

Parents were seen painting the grills blue as the colour symbolizes autism. A parent, Damodar Kutwalkar, said, “We need to protect our environment. Our children are happy in this surroundings and planting lots of plants around them can prove to be therapeutic.” Sheena Rath, the organizer of the drive, said, “Each tree that was planted represents a special child. We want to spread the message that like plants, every child with special needs wants care and acceptance from society.”

Special children, along with their parents from the city, Raigad and Thane took part in the drive. They planted a variety of floweing and fruit trees. Volunteers from ‘Adopt the Lake’ and ‘La Casa’ also participated in the drive.

