12th December 2024: The Academy will plant 3,00,000 native tree species across Ahmedabad and Detroj Districts in Gujarat and Sivaganga District in Tamil Nadu, under the #एक_पेड़_माँ_के_नाम (#Plant4Mother) initiative, marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote environmental conservation.
This groundbreaking project, part of ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aims to revitalize degraded community lands in these regions. Around 10-acre land parcels have been identified at each location to support the plantation and maintenance of 1,50,000 saplings in Gujarat and 1,50,000 saplings in Tamil Nadu.
The project is slated for completion by March 2025, with a comprehensive three-year care plan to ensure the survival and growth of the trees. This effort is set to transform barren landscapes into vibrant green spaces, supporting India’s climate action goals and boosting rural livelihoods.
Maninder Singh, Secretary of Bal Bharti Academy, expressed his vision for the initiative: “This partnership with ONGC is not just about planting trees; it’s about sowing seeds of hope for a sustainable future. Our focus is to ensure these trees flourish, positively impact local communities, and strengthen our fight against climate change.”
Bal Bharti Academy’s expertise in executing large-scale environmental projects, combined with ONGC’s commitment to sustainability, creates a powerful collaboration. Together, they aim to inspire collective action for a greener planet under the shared vision of the #Plant4Mother initiative.
The plantation drive is scheduled for completion by March 2025, with sustained community participation and ecological monitoring extending until 2028. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and complements national programs like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and Mission Life.