HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, announced the launch of a tree plantation drive in Mumbai. It has partnered with Mumbai Port Authority to plant approximately 3 lakh trees in the city starting with Sewri and Reay Road. This activity is in addition to the plantation of 30 lakh trees announced recently. The initiative is part of #Parivartan, HDFC Bank’s umbrella brand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
The tree plantation drive was launched by Shri Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Ms. Ashima Bhat, Group Head, CSR & ESG, Business Finance &Strategy, Administration & Infrastructure, HDFC Bank, at Mumbai Port Authority Office. Other dignitaries present at the launch event included, Shri Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head – CSR & ESG, HDFC Bank.
Mumbai Port Authority has made land available in the city for the project. The project has been conceptualized with a vision to combat rising air pollution and high Air Quality Index (.) levels in Mumbai. In March 2023, HDFC Bank signed an MoU with Office of the Collector, Mumbai Suburban to plant 30 lakh trees across Mumbai city.
The large-scale tree plantation in urban locales, will significantly contribute to reducing air pollution, improving the local ecosystem and the overall biodiversity. The project is also in line with United Nation’s ‘Sustainable Development Goal’ on combatting Climate Change and the Government of India’s ‘National Clean Air Programme.’
Speaking at the launch event, Ms. Ashima Bhat, Group Head, CSR & ESG, Business Finance and Strategy, Administration & Infrastructure, HDFC Bank said, “Environment protection and conservation is one of the key focus areas under Parivartan. Most of the major cities of our country are facing the crisis of air pollution. Tree plantation is among the best and sustainable ways of tackling air pollution. We are happy to partner with Mumbai Port Authority in this initiative and thank them for providing the land for planting the trees. Let us come together and pledge to increase the green cover of the city.”
HDFC Bank is poised to carry out more tree plantation activities in collaboration with different institutions and Government Departments.HDFC Bank had pledged to plant 25 lakh trees on its 25th anniversary in 2020. The Bank achieved its target by planting over 25.06 lakh trees as of Dec 2022. The Bank has also committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2031-32
HDFC Bank is amongst the largest corporate CSR spenders in the country. The key focus areas under #Parivartan include care for climate, rural development, education, skill development, healthcare & hygiene, and financial literacy.
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