Making India greener: Top CSR initiatives for tree plantation

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.

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.”

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.

South Eastern Coalfields’ tree plantation drive in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of mining major Coal India Limited, is investing a whopping Rs.169 crore for tree plantation Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the states in which it operates. The plantation will be carried out for a period of five years from FY 2023-24 to 2027-28 with its subsequent maintenance of 4 years for each consecutive year of plantation.

For execution of the project, the company has signed Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam and Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam. As per the MoU, SECL will spend Rs. 131.52 crore in Chhattisgarh and Rs. 38.11 crore in Madhya Pradesh for enhancing greenery in the central Indian states.

Six to twelve months old (polypot) plants will be used for the plantation work. Among the saplings that will be planted are different species including fruit bearing trees like Jamun, Imli, Bel, Mango, Sitaphal etc., and medicinal/ herbal plants like Neem, Amla, Karanj etc.

In addition to these, trees with high timber value such as Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Babool, Sissoo, Safed Sirus and ornamental or avenue plants like Gulmohar, Kachnar, Amaltas, Peepal, Jharul etc. will also be planted. Keeping in view the needs of the local communities, species of plants will be selected while paying heed to suggestions from local villagers.

HDFC Bank with Mumbai Port Authority to plant 3 lakh trees in Maximum City

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, announced the launch of a tree plantation drive in Mumbai in April 2023. The bank has partnered with Mumbai Port Authority with an aim 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.

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 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 Bank has also committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2031-32.

The large-scale tree plantation in urban localities is expected to 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 combating Climate Change and the Government of India’s ‘National Clean Air Programme.’

JSW’s Mangrove Restoration Project in Raigad

JSW Foundation, the CSR arm of JSW Group has been focusing on a mangrove restoration project in Raigad district of Maharashtra for the past few years. Currently, the total number of saplings planted has surpassed over 2 million, with a survival rate of over 70%, covering 380 hectares of land, as per a statement issued by the foundation.

Since 2016, JSW Foundation has been working to nurture this bio-shield between the water body and the adjoining land with the aim of preventing erosion of land and deterioration of soil quality thereby arresting the loss of fertility and promoting development of habitat for various species of fauna including those of fish, prawns, molluscs, crabs, reptiles and birds.

The project also aims to promote livelihood diversification through various other initiatives such as pisciculture (fish farming), crab-fattening, home-based poultry farming, and composite farming. The aim is to empower local communities to explore sustainable economic opportunities.

Bharat Forge plans to plant 10,00,000 trees by 2030

Bharat Forge Ltd, a multinational conglomerate organised a tree plantation drive on the occasion of World Environment Day this year. The company announced that they have planted a total of 1,00,000 trees as part of this campaign. The estimated annual absorption of carbon dioxide per full-grown tree is approximately 0.024 MT. Bharat Forge claims to have planted a total of 1,35,000 trees till date. The tree plantation drive aligns with Bharat Forge’s vision of creating a greener and more sustainable future. The company has set an ambitious target of planting 10,00,000 trees by 2030.