Afforestation

The afforestation activities of the industrial region not only serve as foreground and background landscape features but also contribute to the overall improvement in the environment.

The crucial need for conservation and restoration of the degraded ecosystem and preservation of genetic resources of the country led to the enactment of the "Wild Life Protection Act" (1974) and "Forest Act" (1980) in addition to legal Acts of Air, Water and Environment.

Maintenance of ecological balance and pristine environment therefore, has been of utmost importance at NTPC. Environment planning and preservation is an integral part of its project activities. NTPC undertakes afforestation programmes covering vast tracts of land in and around its projects in a concerted bid to counter growing ecological threat.

NTPC'S Appoach

It has been possible to achieve a satisfactory combination of environmental quality and techno-economics through determined efforts at NTPC for its projects. Continuous vigilance is maintained to minimise pollution apart from other management programmes taking root simultaneously with construction activities.

The appropriate afforestation programme for plant, township, green-belt and other sites are designed according to the geographical features. The species are selected on the basis of their adaptability and grouped with local representatives. The growth characteristics, flowering pattern and canopy (spreading nature) are evaluated in their distribution over these sites of afforestation. These considerations not only contribute to the aesthetics but also go a long way in serving as "Sinks" for the pollutant emissions of the power plant.. At times, they combat pollution from other industries in the surrounding area.

Saving the existing trees, planting right at the beginning of construction phase, preservation of trees and advice from State Forest Departments and Agriculture Universities are a few general guidelines followed by NTPC in the afforestation programmes at their projects. The site specific afforestation details conform to the natural climatic conditions and adaptability of species. The species are grouped into a heterogeneous combination to impart a natural and healthy assemblage.

The arrangement of species in the green belt / buffer zone conforms to hexagonal pattern to facilitate maximum density of species. In addition, the growth pattern and canopy are evaluated in their actual locations of the hexagonal pattern which help uniform canopy spreading. The tree planting, garden and park development in and around the township adds to the general aesthetics. Plant species of medicinal value are cultivated separately in isolated patch and information made available to residents for use appropriately.

The nursery ensures good quality planting stock so vital in the success of planting programmes. In order to reduce the transport cost and damage to the planting stock, nurseries have been developed at the projects to meet the planting requirement.

NTPC has developed independent Horticulture Department at its projects headed by experienced horticulture officers / supervisors.

Forest Bank

An innovative proposal to create "Forest Banks" in each state was wherein the Forest Department of all States / Union Territories should identify land to initiate plantations under various programmes of the state. Such areas would facilitate any power project of either the State or Centre to draw necessary "Compensatory Afforestation Area" against the existing balance in the Forest Bank. This will ensure that projects need not wait for clearance for want of identification of areas and State Government's concurrence for compensatory afforestation.

Ash Mound Reclamation

The inherent limitations of wet disposal system pertained firstly, to the land requirement which was estimated at one acre of land per MW of power for the life of plant; secondly, the huge quantity of water for the slurry and finally, the pipe-line to transport the slurry to ash pond located at varying distances between 7-10 kms.

Dry ash disposal system has been in operation, for the first time in India, at the National Capital Power Station (NCPS) located 10 km off Dadri Grand Trunk road and about 50 km from Delhi. Around 80-85% of the project area is alkaline with a pH range between 8.5 and 10.3. The water table is high and most of the area is low lying. The climate is typical with summer temperature reaching about 460 C. The dry ash disposal system results in an "ash mound" which, is estimated to reach a height of about 55 m, ultimately. The dry disposal system in comparison saves on land and water. Unlike the wet disposal system, the pipeline is replaced with the conveyor system ( rail / truck ).

Although experimental trials and commercial reclamation activities over the abandoned ash pond areas have been successfully completed in a few projects at NTPC, the reclamation of "ash mound" is still a challenging task unlike ash ponds, under the prevailing climatic conditions, mentioned above. An attempt however, has been made to reclaim the completed portions of the "ash mound" initially, with grass species. In addition, a few tree species like Eucalyptus globulus, Pongamia glabra, Leucaena leucocephala, Cassia siamea, Parkinsonia aculeata, Prosopis juliflora, Callistemon lanceolatus have been successfully cultivated.

Advantages Of Reclamation

Reclamation of ash ponds have innumerable advantages such as prevention of fugitive dust from ash ponds, checking water erosion, stabilising the surface areas of ash, preventing the potential ground water contamination and adding vegetation cover so vital, in the long term.

Afforestation : NGO Interventions

CAT : Soil and Moisture Conservation and Afforestation Project in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
CAT in partnership with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department is working towards the protection of the environment and ecology of Dharamsala Forest Division which is under pressure due to increasing biotic interference.
Read More
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National Centre for Human settlements and Environment (NCHSE)
“Augmentation of Energy needs through Biogas and Afforestation for Tribals”
The project was designed to mitigate the loss of biodiversity. It incorporated the supply of plants for fuel wood and other timbers thereby not only to reduce the pressure on the existing biomass and also reduce the exploitation of the natural resources but also to provide species for planting that were more useful to them and were also becoming extinct. The project offered a scope to mitigate a source of pollution in the rural and mainly tribal households by providing a clean pollution free fuel.

Afforestation : Corporate Interventions

ACC: Afforestation and Greening The Environment
Tree plantation is a regular and committed activity at ACC. Vacant land in plant, mines and colony at each factory is used to develop greenery of various species. Some ACC plants (viz. Gagal, Jamul, Kymore and Chaibasa) have developed as much as 40 per cent area for green belts as compared to the statutory requirement of 30%. Every cement plant has its own success story of tree plantation, greening activities, horticulture, flower and fruit cultivation and water conservation. Tree plantation and green belt development programmes have been extended to cover areas in the vicinity of our plants for the benefit of the local community.

Rocky areas in mines have been rendered suitable for plantation by over-spreading topsoil obtained from mining activity. Afforestation programmes have helped transform the once barren and dry ambience into lush greenery. Each One-Plant One has been an inspiring message practised by many of our employees. The total plantation undertaken across ACC is more than 3.3 million numbers of trees , with an average survival rate of 85% and spread over an area of 1000 acres in mines, factories and residential townships.
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Arind Mills: Afforestation & Rain Water Harvesting
Units at Khatrej & Santej have very good afforestation & green belts. The Santej unit has more than 1 lakh trees & other shrubbery. Plants like Jetropha (seeds used for Biodiesel generation) are grown extensively. ETP treated water is used for this plantation so as to minimize raw water consumption. Beautiful lawns with Fountains are part of the landscape.
At the Santej unit ground water recharging facility is also developed where in yearly about 40 MLD rain water is recharged in to ground water table. Two recharge ponds with a capacity of about 4000 m3 are made & Rainwater during the monsoon is collected in these ponds & recharged in to Ground water table.
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Asahi India Ltd
Asahi India connects its business activities to wider social objectives, emphasising its responsibilities as a corporate citizen, At Asahi India, we have been undertaking a diverse range of social and community development projects that protect the interests of communities in the vicinity of its manufacturing plants
The principal focus areas are Environment, health and safety Community development. Asahi India is committed to practicing good environmental management and ensuring the health and safety of all constituents

Asahi India has formulated policies and guidelines concerning issues related to the environment, health and safety, going beyond the applicable laws and regulations

Environment

• Transformation of arid land in and around its plants into a lush green belt.
• Manufacturing and other processes designed to have the least possible impact on the environment.
• Tree plantation campaigns.
• Rainwater harvesting at plants to improve the water level.
• Vermi-composting.
• Recycling of waste paper.
• Sewage treatment at its Bawal Plant.

In recognition of its meeting international standards in environmental management, Asahi India (AIS Automotive Glass) received the ISO - 14001 certification by the Certification Body of TUV Management Services GmbH.
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Ashok Leyland: Greening
The Ennore Unit is known for its lush green cover. 10 % of the total ground area of 53.41 hectares is covered by greenery creating an oasis in the arid zone of Ennore.
Of the 12.44 hectares of land available for tree-planting, landscaping and lawns at Hosur I, 1.44 hectares has been used for growing 1,623 trees. A herbal garden right next to the effluent treatment plant serves as an open lab of medicinal herbs.
Hosur II has a green belt stretching 15 hectares with nearly 4,500 trees.
Bhandara has over the years systematically developed green belt zones. A mind-boggling 179,000 trees cover 50 hectares of the 101-hectare Unit. Teak, Shisham, Subabul, Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Bori, Asoka, Neem, Suru are among the 35 varieties that adorn the landscape. The trees are home for a wide variety of birds, almost converting the factory into a conservation zone.
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Atul : Carbon Sinks: A Green Belt Development

The growth of forest is a well-known non-conventional method of maintaining clean environment in an industrial complex. Before the commencement of production by Atul, the factory and the surrounding area were grasslands with hardly any trees.

The grassland was converted into a 'hill station' like forest with sustained efforts and commitment. More than 9,00,000 trees of different varieties are planted in the complex spread over 1250 acres and the process of tree plantation is going on unabated .

These trees consume the large amount of CO2, released from our coal fired Captive Power Plant. Thus, in its small way the Company is contributing towards reducing emission of greenhouse gases. The trees also help in minimizing dusting and in regeneration of Oxygen for our survival.
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Bata
Bata was one of the first companies to come forward to preserve nature, when it joined hands with World Wide Fund (WWF) to protect the natural environment and its wildlife. Through an arrangement with the apex body of WWF, a part of the sale proceeds from "Power WWF" collection T-shirts were donated to the WWF.

Afforestation programme along with "Save the Ganga Project" brought many laurels and kudos to our Mokamehghat Tannery. Planting of trees is routinely carried out at all Bata Units.

The factory at Bangalore was considered the best maintained garden in Peenya Industrial Area.
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BILT : Farm Forestry

Project with poor farmers with Velugu in Andra Pradesh for farm forestry on waste land. BILTs CSR group and STEER, Velugu's partnership cell, are taking forward one such initiative.

ORISSA
District Koraput, Orissa is predominantly inhabited by tribals and is one of the most underdeveloped and backward areas of India. The average annual household income is in the range of Rs. 4500 to Rs. 5000. The land owned by the tribals is through inheritance and over the generations has become fragmented. The average size of land holdings is 1.5 to 2.5 hectares. In the absence of irrigation facilities the tribals cultivate only in the low-lying areas of their land holdings and harvest a crop during the monsoon. A detailed survey of the area indicated over 200,000 hectares in this district as unproductive / uncultivated.

Attempts to motivate these landowners to grow a short rotation pulpwood crop under BILT's farm forestry programme did not succeed initially. The main reason was the apprehension of the tribals regarding survival of trees on their severely degraded lands, which had not been cultivated for periods exceeding 14 / 15 years.

The management therefore, in 1995 proposed a share cropping scheme under which the farmers were to be paid Rs.1, 250 per hectare per year as their assured crop share. This amount was paid to the farmers in return of their uncultivated land for a limited period to BILT for demonstrating the plantation. The management was to invest at their risk in planting and maintaining the plantations to demonstrate the viability of growing pulpwood. Considering the prevailing cost of land in 1995 of Rs. 5,000 per hectare the assured crop share was found in favor with the tribals. The scheme was launched from the year 1995. A total area of 80 hectares and 500 hectares were planted out during the years 1995 and 1996 respectively, on the lands given by the tribals through an agreement with the Paper Mill.

Establishment and maintenance of the demonstration plantations was carried out by employing the locals. Apart from giving returns as crop share to the 316 farmers' households, it has also generated employment of approximately 250,000 Mandays i.e. approx. Rs. 13 Million.

Till date 1.82 crore seedlings by 5715 farmers have been planted in 4700 hectares of the land. Annual targets of planting 1 to 1.25 crore seedlings have been taken for next 5 years. 80% of the farmers associated with our farm forestry activities fall under BPL category. Bank finance is being arranged for these needy farmers. Finance is being made available in Jagdalpur catchment under 'Adivasi Antodya Scheme' where 50% subsidy in the loan component is provided up to a limit of Rs 10,000 per head per hectare. 120 farmers have been benefited in this scheme during 2003. We are planning to cover 400 farmers during 2004 under this beneficial scheme.

Targets have been taken in a way as to achieve vertical growth in productivity rather than horizontal growth in areas. Tree improvement programme has been initiated through macro as well as micro vegetative propagation of Eucalyptus. Provenance trial, species trial and seed orchard maintenance has been taken as on going process for selection and multiplication of better quality germplasm.

ANDRA PRADESH

Unit APR, Kamalapuram is located in deep reserve forest area wherein, sufficient revenue lands are not available within radius of 70-80 km and even beyond that the economic condition of the villages is extremely poor. A plantation attempt was made by unit in 1997-98. 57 lakh seedlings were distributed with a subsidy of Re 1 per plant on survival. This plantation failed as 85% plants died due to negligence on the part of farmer and hot & dry climate.

In year 2001, after FRD was constituted, a structured survey to assess the potentiality of Warangal district for plantation was carried out. Here again farmers' response was very negative. However, "District Watershed Management ", a government of Andhra agency, in Warangal district was contacted and a unique initiative was taken up to arrange an interaction between the unwilling farmers of Warangal and motivated farmers of Prakasham district by a field visit. As a result 6 lakh seedlings covering an area of 300 hectares were planted in Warangal in 2002. This is perhaps the first instance of a positive partnership between Government, people and a private enterprise. The same example was followed in Nalgonda district. In 2003, this arrangement covered 1438 hectares by distributing 27 lakh seedlings in Warangal and 11.37 lakh seedlings in Nalgonda.

In addition, CSR initiative has brought us in partnership with 'Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty' (VELUGU). In 2003, 3.3 lakh plants were distributed covering an area of 300 acre. Five women groups were involved in the plantation.

Since 2001 FRD-Unit APR has distributed 340 lacs seedlings covering 4330 hectares under plantation, in Prakasham, Krishna, Cuddalore and Nellore districts. Distribution target for 2004 has been set at 275 lacs seedlings.

A High-level committee comprising of women welfare minister of AP, Gujarat commissioner and collector of Nalgonda district recently visited a plantations farmed under VELUGU project. They were highly impressed, and praised the effort of Public-Private Partnership. Shri Chandrababu Naidu, Honourable Ex-Chief Minister of AP also visited the area on 18th December 2003. He appreciated the plantation work done jointly by VELUGU, local people and BILT. The CM handed over a cheque of Rs 3.6 lakh to Mrs. Sujata, president of Harijanpur Sangabadan for labour payment on account of plantation establishment. These plantations have more than 90% survival.

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Caterpillar
CIPL's commitment to environment has been reinforce with being awarded the ISO 14001 Certification in July 2000. The Company adopts eco friendly production activities, maintaining ecological balance both inside and outside the organisation. The major initiatives include:

• Planting 20,000 trees of various varieties in the Company premises covering 30 acres of land.
• Zero Discharge of effluents.
• Conducting Awareness Programmes on ban of use of plastics.
• Emphasing the need for use of materials that can be recycled. Spreading this concept of nearby villages.

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Chowgule Group : Environmental Conservation
The Chowgule Group has been in the forefront for the protection of environment. Indeed, environmental conservation is an integral part of their mining activity in Goa.
Chowgules have been pioneers in developing "Green Belts" in mined-out areas and long embankments of tailing ponds in operating mines at Goa. This has awakened the consciousness among all connected with mining to preserve environment around mining areas. During every monsoon,large scale plantation of trees is undertaken.The Group has developed their own nurseries at mines sites.More than one lakh seedlings representing 25 species are raised every year.These species of saplings can grow in diverse soil conditions and add to the scenic beauty of the surroundings , thus rapidly changing the landscape of barren mining areas.

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Cummins : Tree Plantation
Cummins employees participated in the projects funded by CDIF in planting trees in selected areas. They also participated in other community development programmes under various projects funded by CDIF. Cummins has inculcated the attitude for tree plantation, environment management through Nature Club activities formed specially for the purpose.

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Dabur
Ancient wisdom of conservation
From times immemorial, Indian sages and men of wisdom have understood and appreciated the value of nature and its conservation. Our ancestors recognised that if we grabbed from nature beyond what was healthy, it would lead to all round degradation, and even the extinction of humanity. That is why nature was sanctified and worshipped in the form of gods and goddesses.

Dabur upholds the tradition
Today, we at Dabur also value nature's bounty. Without the fruits of nature, the vision of Dabur would never have been fulfilled. And that is the reason for our unfailing commitment to ecological conservation and regeneration. We would like to follow the principles of our ancient texts, which say:

"Dehi me dadami te" - "you give me, and I give you".

Back to Nature
Rare herbs and medicinal plants are our most valuable resource, from which all our products are derived. Due to overexploitation of these resources and unsustainable practices, these plants and herbs are fast reaching the point of extinction. In view of this critical situation, Dabur has initiated some significant programmes for ecological regeneration and protection of endangered plant species.

Plants for Life
We have set up the "Plants for Life" project in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Under the project, a high-tech greenhouse facility has been set up for developing saplings of rare and endangered medicinal plants. Fully computer-controlled and monitored, this greenhouse maintains the highly critical environmental parameters required for their survival. We are also developing quality saplings of more than 20 herbs, 8 of them endangered, through micro propagation.
In addition, satellite nurseries spread across mountain villages and contract cultivation of medicinal herbs helps in maintaining the ecological balance. These measures have also helped provide local cultivators the scientific knowledge for harvesting herbs and a steady source of income. So that they are not forced to exploit the environment to earn a livelihood.

Living a Green Heritage
These are significant steps that can contribute to a better world for coming generations. To whom we would like to bequeath a world not bereft of nature. But full of flowering and fruit bearing trees, animals, birds and humans living in good health and complete harmony.
Dabur has been organising the Plant for Life programme for schoolchildren - to create environmental awareness amongst young minds.

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DCM Sriram
The Company is committed to preserve and protect the environment around area of operations. As a result, the well defined policy on environment and safety translated onto greening of rocky terrain of the Kota complex through planting of over 1,50,000 trees on the beds of fly-ash. Planting of over 2,00,000 trees around Nimoda mines, Nimoda (Rajasthan).
To conserve scarce natural resource (in this case rain water), the Company has taken Rain Water harvesting initiatives across the board by transferring it to the underground water aquifers or storing in surface reserviors. Rain water collected is put to "process use", thus reduces its dependence on external source. Encouraged by the rain water harvesting movement, some senior executives have already implemented the process in their residences.

DSCL's outstanding contribution in the field of protection of environment has since been recognised by the Rajasthan Government and the Government of India. By way of, Rajasthan State Productivitiy Council Award for Environment Preservation in 1990 and First National Award for Public Recognition of Outstanding activity for prevention and Control of Pollution, 1991 by the Prime Minister of India.

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German Remedies : Meeting GRL Environmental Obligations - The Banyan Tree

If one visited the Kundaim plateau ten years back, you would have seen a majestic banyan tree in the rocky terrain dwarfing the neighbouring trees. The banyan tree was the shelter to many insects, birds and animals as also to shepherds who rested under its cool shade as their cattle grazed lazily on the luscious grass. Today, an ultra-modern plant of international standards has replaced the rocks and the other trees, however, the Banyan Tree continuous to be in its splendid form. The design of the Agiolax Plant at Goa was specially modified to retain this great tree. An effort by all at German Remedies, a conscious attempt to preserve nature and the outcome...

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Godrej Group : Godrej and Trees
It has been our endeavour to protect and propagate greenery. The name of Godrej has always associated with TREES. The late Mr. S. P. Godrej had been the Vice-President of the National Society of the Friends of Trees.

For the past many years a well-stocked Tree Bank is maintained at Pirojshanagar and saplings are generously distributed, free of cost to voluntary organisations engaged in afforestation work.

The uplifting traffic island gardens, particularly the Godrej ‘Chowk’ with the fly-over, have mitigated somewhat the drabness that surrounds us. The annual celebration of "Sarvajanik Holi" under the aegis “Of the Sheriff's Office” is yet another effort initiated by Godrej to curb the wanton destruction of trees. This community celebration has become a tradition in Mumbai.

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ITC- Welcomgroup : For a green world

WelcomEnviron defines Welcomgroup's active commitment to the environment. The need for maintaining an ecological balance and working towards that goal as a concerned "Corporate Citizen" is a high priority at Welcomgroup. Each hotel thus operates in harmony with nature. "Reduce, Re-use and Recycle" is the Environmental message sent out by every ITC-Welcomgroup hotel.

ITC- Welcomgroup is actively committed to the environment. As responsible corporate citizens, we recognise our commitment towards maintaining a greener and healthier environment. WelcomEnviron is our vision for a green world. It’s a multi-faceted programme started in order to propagate environmental causes in the cities where ITC-Welomgroup’s hotels are located. The guiding principle is ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’. Each hotel has its own programme, encompassing local participation, creating awareness among employees and internal conservation through energy-saving gadgets and environment-friendly material. Our guests are also encouraged to be a part of our campaign, ‘Give back as much as you take from the environment’.

Awards
· WelcomHotel Mughal Sheraton won the Golden Peacock award for the year 2004.
· ITC Hotel Grand Maratha Sheraton won the FHRAI Environment Champion award.
· ITC Green Centre was given the US Green Building Council Platinum Rating.
· ITC Hotels received the PATA Gold Environment Award in 2005 in the Corporate category.

ITC Green Centre
The ITC Green Centre in Gurgaon is the physical expression of this commitment to sustainability - Ecological, Social and Economic. The building was awarded Platinum rating by the US Green Building Council – LEED.
 ITC Green Centre (in PDF format)
 ITC Green Centre Map

Greening of the supply chain (GSC)
ITC Hotels made a humble start in the'Greening' of the supply chain (GSC) recently, with the clear intent of attempting to work towards'creating a sea of excellence' as opposed to an'island of excellence' in the economic domain through industry initiative, by inducing our suppliers to adopt cleaner & greener production (C & GP) practices.
This is a useful tool for all SME's (Small & Medium Enterprise) related to industry. The same has been translated 8 Indian languages in order to break the language barrier and faster dissemination of simple knowledge. "The chain which strives to flag ecological solutions"

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J K Industries
The company has planted lakhs of trees in and around its manufacturing facilities under its afforestation programme. Eco-friendly practices such as efficient recycling, effluent treatment systems, conservation of water, optimum usage of sunlight and solar energy both for production and illumination, rain water harvesting are other thrust areas .

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Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. : Environmental Protection at KBL

Today, Kirloskarvadi boasts of over 28,000 trees. What is more, the survival rate of these is as high as 99%! The trees include Eucalyptus, Mango, Silver Oak, Cypress, Tamarind, and Jack Fruit amongst others.

KBL has helped this cause at the grass root level by setting up institutions like Tree Growers Co-operation etc. It has encouraged plantations by schools, co-operative societies and Gram Panchayats by supplying them seedlings and necessary guidance. The company has also helped the Sagareshwar Sanctuary and Kranti Smruti Van at Balwadi, in its vicinity.