From Scalpel to Sapling: Surgeon turns drought-stricken land into lush paradise, wins IMA’s ‘Green Doctor Award’

Undeterred, he dug trenches, built lakes, and invested in water tankers to cultivate over 10,000 trees, all while maintaining his medical career.

His dedication to both health and the environment earned him the first ‘Green Doctor Award’ from the Maharashtra State Indian Medical Association.

Dr Wankhedkar, former president of national IMA and SAARC Medical Association, has successfully balanced his medical career with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

His journey to revitalise the land he calls ‘Ravishrusti’ began in 2003 when he sought to address the environmental degradation near Dhule, his hometown.

“In the face of severe droughts, it was an ongoing battle just to keep the plants alive,” Dr Wankhedkar recalls.

“But each tree that survived felt like a victory,” he said.

Determined to restore the land, he spent two years searching for the right plot and finally chose a shrub-covered, uncultivated stretch that had remained untouched for over a century.

With no history of cultivation and facing severe water scarcity, the challenge was daunting.

Yet, through innovative methods like rainwater harvesting, trenching, and the construction of two small lakes, a larger reservoir, and two wells—‘Kuber’ and ‘Laxmi’—he created a sustainable water source.

During dry spells, Dr Wankhedkar invested up to Rs 1,000 a day on water tankers to ensure the survival of his newly planted trees.

His journey to revitalise the land he calls ‘Ravishrusti’ began in 2003 when he sought to address the environmental degradation near Dhule, his hometown. (Express Photo)

Over the years, he planted more than 10,000 native trees, carefully selected to preserve local biodiversity and restore the area’s ecosystem.

“Twice, I had to rely on water tankers for months, costing thousands, but each tree that survived was a step closer to my dream,” he said.

In addition to his reforestation efforts, Dr Wankhedkar allocated part of the land to organic farming, growing vegetables using sustainable practices.

“I wanted to create a space that was both self-sustaining and eco-friendly,” he said.

Despite multiple suggestions to commercialise his land, Dr Wankhedkar kept his focus on preservation, turning it into a peaceful retreat for his family and friends, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The land became a refuge, offering fresh air and mental peace,” he said.

His passion for environmental advocacy deepened further during his tenure as treasurer of the World Medical Association, where he saw first-hand the urgent health impacts of climate change.

He views his green sanctuary as a small but meaningful contribution to mitigating pollution and combating climate change.

Looking ahead, Dr Wankhedkar plans to establish a Nature School to teach local students about plant identification, sustainable farming, and conservation.

Beyond his own land, Dr Wankhedkar has partnered with various NGOs to plant over 50,000 trees in surrounding hills, expanding his reforestation efforts.

His dedication has been widely praised, with an official from the Maharashtra State IMA noting, “This award is a testament to Dr Wankhedkar’s multifaceted contributions to environmental conservation and public health.”

Determined to restore the land, he spent two years searching for the right plot and finally chose a shrub-covered, uncultivated stretch that had remained untouched for over a century. (Express Photo)

As IMA shared, in addition to his identity as a ‘Skilled Surgeon’ and a ‘Leader of Doctors,’ Dr Wankhedkar has established a distinct reputation as both a ‘Climate Activist’ and a ‘Progressive Farmer.’

‘This award is a testament to his multifaceted contributions to healthcare and environmental sustainability. We have introduced this new award to encourage doctors to actively engage in environmental conservation and promote sustainable practices alongside their medical expertise,’ said an IMA spokesperson.

Beyond his green initiatives, he remains committed to his community, having established ‘Shet Shivar Dawakana’, a free clinic operating every Wednesday.

The clinic serves local farm labourers and farmers.

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