Forest officer cycles from Pune to Kolhapur to celebrate promotion

Nanasaheb Ladkat started his journey to Kolhapur at 2 am on March 30; (right) Ladkat interacted with many people and informed them about the importance of wildlife conservation. Pics/Nanasaheb Ladkat

To create awareness among the masses about the importance of wildlife and nature, a senior forest department official, Nanasaheb Ladkat, who was promoted as Conservator of Forests (CF) and Field Director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, in Western Maharashtra, took charge after cycling from Pune to Kolhapur. He covered 249 km in around 12 hours.

Born in a farmer's family, in Karwadi village, near Kopargaon taluka in Ahmednagar district, Ladkat joined the Maharashtra Forest Department services on January 1, 1986, and developed an interest in nature trails, trekking and exploring the forest. Since then, he has been regularly exploring new places. In his 36 years of service, he has trekked to over 35 forts and has also done foot patrolling for several hundred kilometres.

Talking to mid-day, Ladkat said, "Before taking charge as Field Director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, I decided to travel from Pune to Kolhapur on my bicycle. I wanted to create awareness about nature and wildlife conservation among youngsters. Nowadays, we see that many youngsters are glued to their cell phones and tablets all the time and they hardly participate in physical or outdoor sports activities. I would like to appeal to youngsters to take some time from their busy schedule and take part in activities like going on nature trails, wildlife safaris, trekking, cycling, etc. Their health will benefit and they will help us protect our forest sand wildlife."

Ladkat has been cycling regularly and frequently covers a distance of 25-50 km. He started his journey to Kolhapur at 2 am on March 30, however, extreme weather and heatwave made it challenging. On his way Ladkat interacted with many people and informed them about the importance of wildlife conservation. "I left Pune at 2 am on March 30 and took a few stops on the way. I reached Karad on the evening of March 30. At around 7 am, I reached Kolhapur. The total distance covered on the cycle was 249 km, in around 12 hours," Ladkat added.

Before taking over at Kolhapur, Ladkat was posted in Pune as Conservator of Forests, (Working Plan West). He has also worked at several other places, including Melghat Tiger Reserve, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Dahanu Forest Division, etc.

12hrs
The time in which Ladkat travelled from Pune Kolhapur