Trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen which is crucial for our survival. But not only this, trees also help to filter the water we drink, and provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity apart from being a major source of medicines.
With an aim to enhance green cover of India’s National Highways, The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is taking initiatives to plant trees through the Miyawaki method of tree plantation. Miyawaki method is a unique Japanese approach to ecological restoration and afforestation development. If the Miyawaki plantation in Delhi/NCR is successful, the government will replicate this initiative across the country.
The government plans to focus on planting indigenous species of plants that can survive in the local climate and soil conditions. Tree plantation will be done at various locations on pieces of lands adjacent to the National Highways. Total land area of over 53 acres has been identified at different places in and around Delhi-NCR to establish the Miyawaki plantations, as per a recent official statement from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Top companies operating in India often focus on healthcare, education and other such sectors with the aim of empowering the country’s less privileged population. But, what about environment? How many CSR initiatives focus on marine conservation, tree plantation or conservation of biodiversity?
The CSR Journal takes a look into latest Corporate Social responsibility initiatives focusing on tree plantation undertaken lately to make our nation greener.
Reliance Industries’ Triveni Plantation Initiative
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), through its philanthropic arm Reliance Foundation, has been at the forefront of environmental conservation and tree plantation initiatives across India. One of its notable projects is the Triveni Plantation Initiative, implemented in collaboration with Grow Billion Trees. This initiative, launched on 21 July 2024 in Bassai Village, Mahendragarh, Haryana, involved planting 450 trees using the Triveni method.
The method focuses on planting clusters of three native species—Neem, Peepal, and Banyan trees—to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and sequester carbon. Neem trees contribute to soil fertility and provide medicinal benefits, Peepal trees purify air and support local wildlife, while Banyan trees offer shade and serve as habitats for various species. Alongside this plantation activity, interactive sessions were conducted to educate participants about biodiversity preservation and sustainable practices. The initiative benefits local communities by creating green spaces, improving air quality, and providing employment opportunities during the plantation and maintenance phases.
Over the years, Reliance Foundation has facilitated the plantation of more than 23 million saplings across India as part of its broader sustainability goals. These efforts contribute directly to India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement by mitigating carbon emissions and enhancing green cover. Through partnerships with local authorities and NGOs like Grow Billion Trees, Reliance ensures long-term sustainability by involving communities in tree planting and maintenance activities. These initiatives not only restore degraded ecosystems but also empower communities with sustainable livelihoods.
Marico plants over 12,000 saplings in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon
In December 2023, FMCG company Marico Limited planted over 12,000 saplings across 5 acres of land, in partnership with local zilla panchayat of Dhanwad in Jalgaon Taluka in Jalgaon District of Maharashtra. The afforestation initiative was carried out in collaboration with local communities and panchayats.
The objective of the program is to create livelihood opportunities through sustainable and organic farming practices primarily in Dhanwad village. The organic plantation site is expected to yield fruits, providing an additional income channel for locals through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and promoting micro-entrepreneurship initiatives.
Furthermore, Marico aims to develop a Centre of Excellence for Moringa farm site, as it is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree. This initiative is expected to empower the local community with alternative income generation opportunity, by selling the produce and creating an ideal farm which is climate resilient.
Tata Power and ICICI Foundation’s ‘Project GhanVan’
In January this year, integrated power company Tata Power, joined hands with ICICI Foundation, the CSR arm of ICICI Bank to launch ‘Project GhanVan’ – a tree plantation programme aimed at fostering environmental conservation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as a part of the collaboration by senior officials of both the organisations. Over the next three years, the project plans to plant 2.5 lakh indigenous trees across 75 acres of fertile regions in the catchment areas of Tata Power Hydro locations at Bhivpuri, Khopoli and Bhira in Maharashtra, which is part of Western Ghats. This signifies a pivotal step towards a greener and more sustainable future.
As a part of the project, ICICI Foundation will support the initiative by executing plantation activity, installing solar water pumps with drip irrigation facility and maintaining them for a period of three years. It will also undertake special measures like trenching to help protect trees from forest fires.
This collaborative effort unfolds in three phases which involves planting 50,000 local indigenous species, including Babul, Tok phal, Kinai, Reshim dhavada, Lakuch, Apta, Pivla Kanchan, Kadilimb, Undi, Kumbha, Bherli mahd, Bhokar selected based on climatic and topography conditions, to be planted on 15 acres.
Project GhanVan also prioritizes regional biodiversity preservation, leading to habitat conservation for native avifauna diversity. The project employs advanced methods, including using healthy 2-3-year-old saplings, drip irrigation, and rigorous monitoring until viability is established. Special measures are in place to protect against collateral damage such as grazing and forest fires. The project also creates employment opportunities for local communities for maintenance of the plantation sites, fostering sustainable development.
NIIT University plants over 1 lakh trees in the Aravalli range
On the occasion of Van Mahotsav 2024 NIIT University (NU) announced that with the purpose of greening the Aravalli range surrounding the campus, over 1 lakh trees have been planted. This has significantly improved the green cover of the hills, the university claimed in a statement.
The university also released its Sustainability Impact Report 2024, showcasing the initiatives undertaken to nurture the Aravalli range and the surrounding areas. Talking about the initiatives undertaken over the last 14 years, Major General AK Singh (Retd), Dean – Student Affairs & Chief Operations Officer, NU, said, “NIIT University’s green initiatives reflect our unwavering dedication to environmental resurrection and sustainability. By reviving the Aravalli hills and implementing innovative water conservation strategies, we are not only enhancing the local ecosystem but also setting a standard of sustainable practices for others to follow.”
John Cockerill India: Sowing Sustainability
John Cockerill India has undertaken tree plantation drives as a key component of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By 2023, the company planted 3,000 trees near its Taloja facility in Maharashtra in collaboration with Green Yatra.
This program aligns India’s National Forest Policy, which aims to enhance forest cover to 33% of the country’s area and restore 21 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. The initiative goes a long way in offsetting increased greenhouse gas emissions, while also ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Employees take an active part in the activities and therefore gain practical experience in sustainable land management and environmental conservation. In turn, beneficiaries comprise local communities that enjoy better air quality and an enhanced green aesthetic.
Tree plantation in Delhi NCR by Cornitos
Nachos brand Cornitos marked World Environment Day 2024 by partnering with several NGOs for a series of tree plantation drives. The drives took place across various locations in Delhi NCR, engaging numerous volunteers and local communities.
In collaboration with Say Trees, Cornitos organized a plantation drive at Government Sarvodaya School, Matiala Village. In Faridabad, they teamed up with Save Aravali for another tree plantation drive in the Faridabad Forest. Additionally, Cornitos partnered with the Thinkgood Foundation under the campaign Mission 100 Crore Trees for a plantation drive in Noida. Tree plantation activity also done at Roorkee Greendot Health Foods Factory Premises.
A series of plantation drives were organized across multiple locations, resulting in the successful planting of approximately 300 saplings. The initiative garnered enthusiastic participation from over 60 Cornitos employees and local community members.
Tree plantation by Tata Motors in tribal areas of Maharashtra
In the heart of Maharashtra’s tribal interiors, Tata Motors has embarked on a mission to plant one million trees. This project aims to support local communities in the Palghar district. Till June 2024, 1.5 million fruit and forest saplings have taken root, covering 13,000 acres across eight blocks, breathing life into once-barren land, as per an announcement.
As part of the Integrated Village Development Programme, Tata Motors’ initiative not only curbs distress migration but also generates income for local communities by providing sustainable income; leveraging MNREGs scheme for sapling aftercare, and later through the produce sales. So far, more than 1.5 Million Plantation has benefitted 13,000 farmers in the region by transforming 13,000 acres of un-utilised farmland into a productive Wadi. It has also provided them nutrition-rich fruits, thus improving health and nutrition levels of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the region, the company shared in a statement.
