Near Patan in north Gujarat, more than 10,000 saplings are being transformed into a dense forest at Badanpur. Rather than building a stone memorial, the project honours Param Pujya Guruji Shri Bhanuvijay Maharaj Saheb through living trees that will provide shade, clean air, food, and shelter for generations.

A Memorial That Grows

The Badanpur forest was made possible through a contribution from Mumbai-based donor Shri Jagdishbhai Vora, in cooperation with Sadbhavna Vrudhashram and the local Gram Panchayat. It is a major project under the organisation’s 500 Jungle in Gujarat initiative, which seeks to create forests across the state, village by village.

Guruji’s teaching was that everything people receive comes from nature, so giving back to nature is a duty, not a favour. The forest embodies that idea: each surviving tree becomes a continuing act of service to the land, wildlife, and future residents of Badanpur.

From Saplings to a Forest

The plantation is designed for survival, not merely for a one-day planting ceremony. Each sapling is planted at about 4 feet tall in a 3-foot-deep pit enriched with desi cow manure, which is replenished every month.

Protection measure Purpose
4–8 ft structural support Keeps young trees upright and stable 
8 ft iron guard and mesh fencing Protects saplings from cattle, stray animals, and accidental damage 
Regular watering Sustains growth after the plantation event 
4-year survival guarantee Lost trees are replaced free of cost 
Dedicated staff, tractors, and water tankers Provides continuous professional maintenance 

The forest includes native and culturally significant species such as Umbro (cluster fig), Banyan, Peepal, and Kadam, along with other varieties that support birds, insects, and local biodiversity.

Care Beyond Planting Day

Sadbhavna Vrudhashram handles the full cycle: soil testing before planting, pit preparation, plantation, watering, manure application, and years of follow-up care. The organisation reports using more than 4,000 paid staff and over 700 tractors and water tankers for plantation and maintenance work.

Donors receive 100% documentation, regular photographs, and a WhatsApp update every three months. The four-year replacement guarantee is intended to ensure that a contribution becomes a protected forest rather than a temporary photo opportunity.

A Sanctuary for People and Wildlife

The site is planned as a complete sanctuary, not just a field of trees. It will include a gate, a shaded gazebo for visitors, and an Annakshetra—a feeding point for animals and birds.

If each tree supports an average of 25 birds, the plantation could become home to lakhs of birds. The trees are also expected to support pollinators, insects, and small wildlife, strengthening the wider ecosystem around nearby farms.

Environmental Impact

Once mature, the forest is projected to release about 190 tonnes of oxygen and absorb more than 215 tonnes of carbon dioxide. It is also expected to reduce local temperatures by 2–3°C, improve water retention, and reduce soil erosion during the monsoon.

For a farming region near Patan, these benefits matter directly: cooler surroundings, healthier soil, better moisture retention, and more stable local ecology.

A Model for Gujarat

Badanpur shows how a donor, an experienced organisation, and a village can jointly create lasting environmental value. The donor funds the forest, Sadbhavna Vrudhashram provides technical expertise and long-term care, and the Gram Panchayat supports implementation on the ground.

The project is nearing completion, with a public inauguration planned. Visitors are being invited to see the forest and plant at least one tree before leaving, extending the memorial’s impact beyond the initial 10,000 saplings.

Reference: Sadbhavna Vrudhashram’s 500 Jungle in Gujarat: Badanpur Forest Plants 10,000 Saplings in Memory of Guruji

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