Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Devrai Foundation Plants Millions of Trees to Restore Ecosystems
Raghunath Maruti Dhole started the Devrai Foundation to plant native trees and restore the environment.
Inspired by traditional sacred groves, he creates areas with many different types of trees.
His group gives away saplings and offers guidance, believing that planting is only a small part of the work.
The goal is to care for the trees after planting.
So far, they've planted millions of trees, created tree libraries to teach people about nature, and created a large survival rate.
He believes each tree is important and encourages everyone to plant trees.
Raghunath Maruti Dhole leads the Devrai Foundation, focused on native plant conservation.
The foundation uses the 'Devrai' model, replicating sacred groves for ecological restoration.
The foundation plants between 119 and 190 native tree and plant species in each location.
Over 3.4 million saplings have been donated with a 70% survival rate.
The foundation also creates tree libraries for educational outreach.
- Who
- Raghunath Maruti Dhole and the Devrai Foundation.
- What
- Raghunath Maruti Dhole's Devrai Foundation works to conserve native plants and forests by planting trees.
- When
- Since the 1980s, with the foundation registered in 2013.
- Where
- Primarily in Maharashtra, India, but also in other Indian states.
- Why
- To preserve native plants, restore ecosystems, and educate others about the importance of nature.
Focus on Native Species
Global Perspective
Geographic Scope
Focus on Native Species
Prioritizes planting native species.
Global Perspective
Trees do not recognise borders and can be planted anywhere.
- Foundation's Goal
- Reviving barren land with sacred grove models
- Foundation Timeline
- 1980s (personal efforts), 2013 (foundation registered)
- Native Tree Species Planted
- 119 to 190
- Saplings Donated
- 3.4 million
- Survival Rate
- 70%
- Tree Libraries Created
- Over 200