Dadar-based Dr Sanjeev Shevade struggles to pinpoint the exact moment his orthodontics practice gave way to his passion for nature conservation. A classic case of the butterfly effect, we assume. But what he does remember vividly, is growing up in a starkly different Mumbai. “We didn’t only have more open spaces, but the citizens respected and took responsibility for the protection of these spaces,” he recalls. These spaces were home to Shevade’s favourite visitors, butterflies.

Amidst shrinking green cover in the city, the second edition of the Butterfly Meet in Chembur organised by Shevade’s Vivant Untamed Earth Foundation and the BMC’s (West) M Ward, will be equal parts nostalgia and future planning. “There are nearly 233 species of butterflies from diverse families in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone. This year, all our activities are centred on conservation of urban habitats for these butterflies. One of the highlights is our first-ever butterfly rally, where groups of children representing these families will educate visitors at Diamond Garden in Chembur,” he reveals.