Patrolling Bhimashankar -Next volunteer batch starts on 17th November
-Susan Sharma with inputs from volunteers
"It feels like heaven" was the reaction of Yogesh Alekari as he entered the sanctuary.
The landscape by Pravin Baviskar
If you are fond of trekking long distances, enjoy fresh air, bird calls and butterflies in the lap of nature, then here is Bhimashankar calling! No, we are not organizing a tour. This is serious business. Trek with the forest guard for upto 19 km
a day, share his living quarters,food -understand the tough life our forest foot soldiers lead to protect our forests. This is not a call to the weak hearted.
The green routes by Pravin Baviskar
Kevin writes....
The sanctuary is divided into areas. No two volunteers will be given to patrol the same are. Most of the areas are huge 15-20 km apart.
So you might probably be living alone with forest guards. Don't worry. The range officers at Bhima1-2 will brief you about the things to do while patrolling.
About food n electricity n all. Some villages don't have electricity and some do...
Susan Sharma has already shared with the volunteers a list of essential things to be carried.
Since you would be walking for 15-20 kms daily, things me and Yogesh found necessary
1) knee cap ( I had a little sprain in my left knee and thanks to Yogesh who shared one of his knee cap with me)
2) about vegetables and fruits etc, better to buy them from Pune or Shivajinagar
3) For us oranges ,apples , lemon, avala, beet root were very helpful. And, of course some dry fruits.
Hoopoe by Pravin Baviskar
Giant squirrel by Yogesh Alekari
Those volunteers whose applications have been accepted by the ACF, Bhimashankar and who could not make it to the first two batches may request the ACF to be considered for the upcoming batches in November starting on 17th November and 23rd November.
Those who have not yet applied may apply now. In the words of Pravin Baviskar "I request guys who missed the opportunity should give sincere efforts to visit this place. It is a life time experience. " So join in. Click on the banner below to apply