15 years, 2K saplings, 3 states: Sirsa man’s green thumb of grit

A resident of Sirsa’s HUDA area, Sandeep Soni has been promoting greenery and environmental protection for the last 15 years, inspiring many others to join his mission.

Soni keeps a water drum, shovel, spade, and a battery-powered high-speed cutter in his car at all times. Every morning, he visits different parts of the district to water and maintain plants. He cuts iron tree guards open to give the plants space to grow, waters them, and ensures their upkeep personally.

Beginning his green drive at the local stadium over a decade and a half ago, Soni has planted more than 2,000 saplings across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

He collects saplings free of cost from nurseries whenever possible, and also buys them with his own funds. His goal, he says, is to dedicate his life to protecting trees and creating a greener environment.

Soni’s mission is actively and enthusiastically aided by Rajesh Aggarwal and Monty Sharma, with the latter, who lives in Dubai, contributing whenever he visits Sirsa or gets the opportunity elsewhere.

Soni has planted saplings at the Karni Mata Temple and along the parikrama path in Deshnok, Bikaner.

He has also planted around 150 banyan and peepal saplings in Dadrewa village. Soni says his mission is not just about planting trees but about nurturing them to maturity.

His consistent work over the years has turned him into a symbol of grassroots environmental action in the region.