‘Vanagniveer’ Deepak Varshney Leads Relief Efforts and Launches Awareness Campaign
Binsar (Uttarakhand). Every year, the hilly regions of Uttarakhand face the devastating impact of forest fires, which not only cause irreparable damage to the state’s invaluable forest wealth but also deeply affect the lives and livelihoods of thousands of local residents. In response to this recurring crisis, Neeldeep Foundation, a Noida-based social organization, has launched a meaningful and humanitarian initiative.
Deepak Varshney, the founder of Neeldeep Foundation, popularly known as ‘Vanagniveer’, along with his wife Neelam Varshney, visited the Binsar and Ghanelli regions on 26th and 27th May 2025. During their visit, the couple personally met families severely affected by recent forest fires. As a part of their relief initiative, cheques of ₹25,000 each were distributed to five victim families by Neelam Varshney.
This financial support has come as a ray of hope for families who lost their homes, belongings, and livestock to the fire. Neelam Varshney personally comforted the victims during the distribution and assured them of continued support in the future.
Deepak Varshney has been actively working for forest fire prevention across Uttarakhand and other states for several years. He has developed an innovative and eco-friendly technology to convert ‘perul’ (dried pine needles)—a major cause of forest fires—into fuel pellets. This solution not only addresses a key trigger of wildfires but also offers a low-cost, sustainable energy alternative for rural households, thereby generating livelihood opportunities.
Varshney has dedicated his mission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing inspiration from his vision for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Beyond relief work, Neeldeep Foundation is set to launch a mass public awareness campaign against forest fires. The official mission will be unveiled at a press conference in Delhi scheduled for mid-June 2025. The campaign will include:
- Scientific methods for forest fire prevention
- Training programs for local villagers
- Environmental education in schools
- Promotion of innovative green technologies
In a state like Uttarakhand, which is ecologically sensitive and prone to natural disasters, such efforts are vital for safeguarding both human lives and the environment.
The Neeldeep Foundation’s initiative proves that organized efforts, scientific innovation, and compassionate action can significantly reduce the impact of natural calamities. The local community has widely appreciated this noble effort and expressed hope that such awareness and relief campaigns will continue to grow in the future.
This initiative by Neeldeep Foundation stands as a model of social responsibility, offering inspiration for individuals and organizations across the country to unite for nature conservation and disaster management.
