CABL Forum launched an advanced Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management, a first-of-its-kind DSS designed to support data-driven air quality management in the Twin Cities and informed decision-making.  The platform will enable city authorities to access, analyse, and utilise air quality data more effectively, helping identify pollution hotspots, assess interventions, and strengthen planning and implementation efforts.

This Decision Support System (DSS) for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, developed by Airvoice, delivers high-resolution air quality forecasts up to 72 hours in advance. Built on local emissions inventories, detailed weather forecasts, and advanced atmospheric modelling, the system generates hourly air quality predictions at 1 km resolution across the region. By providing a forward-looking view of pollution levels, the platform will enable city authorities to anticipate pollution episodes, plan timely interventions, investigate emerging air quality events, and target persistent hotspots, thereby supporting proactive and data-driven air quality management across both cities. As cities grow and air quality challenges become more complex, such data-driven planning and collaborative action will be critical in delivering cleaner air and healthier communities.

Organized under the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Cleaner Air Better Life (CABL) Initiative, the Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss priorities, share perspectives, and chart out a coordinated pathway for achieving cleaner air and healthier urban environments. CABL is a flagship, industry-led programme launched by CII in partnership with NITI Aayog to address air pollution through collaborative, evidence-based action and strengthen urban environmental governance across India.

Shveta Arya, Chairperson, CII Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum, said that “Since launching the Clean Air Better Life initiative in 2016, CII has focused on bringing together industry, government, researchers, academicians, and civil society to develop practical and scalable solutions for improving air quality. Building on its years of experience and learning, CII launched the Clean Air Better Life Programme in Pune in 2023. Today, we are taking the next step forward with the delivery of a multi-stakeholder Clean Air Forum and evidence-based action plan as drafted at the CABL Action Lab, which will now be open for wider stakeholder inputs.

The Forum also reviewed the draft CABL Action Plan during an interactive roundtable discussion and discussion focused on identifying priority interventions, enhancing stakeholder coordination, and developing a shared roadmap for improving air quality in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The Clean Air Forum brought senior representatives from Government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen collaborative action for improving air quality across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Additionally, the Forum members, including local start-ups, institutions & industries, presented their ideas and proposals for new novel solutions.“

Delivering keynote addresses, Shri Naval Kishore Ram, Municipal Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum, said that, “Clean air is not to be seen as a standalone objective, but a shared outcome of how a city plans, grows, and sustains itself. It is closely linked with noise pollution, water, green cover, urban infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for citizens. As Pune continues its growth, it is important that development and environmental sustainability progress together. The city is fortunate to have leading institutions and experts who can help build data-driven solutions for air quality management. Through measures such as advanced monitoring solutions with minimal human interference, low-emission zones, first and last-mile mobility to support public transportation, green cover, seamless walkability, collaboration with industries, and citizen participation, Pune has the opportunity to create a healthier and more sustainable urban future for its citizens.”

Shri Jitendra Dudi, District Collector, Pune, also joined the occasion and noted that improving air quality in Pune requires a focused and collaborative approach. Based on our discussions and understanding of the city’s challenges, sustainable mobility, stronger public transport, and effective management of key point sources will play a crucial role in cleaner air. Experts and stakeholders bring valuable knowledge and insights, and the administration is committed to working together to implement practical solutions. Along with long-term measures, we must also focus on actionable short-term interventions, supported by regular reviews and continuous monitoring, in order to ensure that our plans translate into meaningful improvements in air quality for the city.

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PUNE: Marking a significant milestone in urban sustainability, Krisala x Hiranandani Township successfully planted 1,045 trees in just one minute as part of the NAREDCO Pune Urban Forest Initiative on World Environment Day. Held at the integrated township in North Hinjawadi, Pune, the large-scale environmental drive brought together more than 1000+ participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, bureaucrats, environmental advocates, developers, employees, channel partners, customers, and citizens, reinforcing a shared commitment towards creating greener and healthier urban ecosystems.

The initiative was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, Hiranandani Communities; senior government officials; members of NAREDCO; leading real estate developers including Bharat Agarwal, Founder of Kasturi Housing, BJYM state president Anup Avinash More, along with Hon. Education Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, Omprakash Agarwal, Founder, Krisala Developers; Sagar Agarwal, Chairman & MD, Krisala Developers; Aakash Agarwal, MD, Krisala Developers, and Vishal Agarwal, Joint MD, Krisala Developers respectively.

The plantation drive was organised to strengthen the township’s ecological framework and raise awareness of environmental stewardship. The newly planted trees are expected to contribute significantly to enhancing green cover, improving local biodiversity, reducing dust levels, mitigating urban heat island effects, and supporting healthier outdoor environments for residents. As the township evolves, these plantations will become an important part of its long-term environmental infrastructure.

A key aspect of the initiative is Krisala’s collaboration with TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), which is helping establish a scientific and measurable approach to sustainability. Through this partnership, environmental indicators such as green cover density, carbon sequestration potential, biodiversity enhancement, thermal comfort, and air quality-related metrics will be monitored and evaluated over time. This framework ensures that sustainability initiatives are backed by measurable outcomes rather than intent alone.

Speaking on the occasion, Sagar Agarwal, Chairman & MD, Krisala Developers, said, “At Krisala, sustainability is not an afterthought; it is a foundational principle that guides our developments. The NAREDCO Pune Urban Forest Initiative reflects our commitment to creating communities where people can live, thrive, and connect with nature. The successful plantation demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, government bodies, and communities come together with a shared purpose. Sustainability is no longer an option for urban development; it is a responsibility. We are committed to creating communities that balance growth with environmental stewardship and long-term well-being.”

The event also served as a community engagement platform, encouraging participants to actively contribute towards a greener future. Through this initiative, Krisala Developers and Hiranandani Communities reaffirmed their commitment to building not just homes, but sustainable, future-ready communities where people and nature can thrive together.

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The initiative featured various meaningful activities like Nature Trail – a guided walk that introduced native plantation methods, biodiversity and ecological impact; Interactive Sessions – to foster better understanding of the forest ecosystems and the role of urban forests in combating the Urban Heat Island Effect; Sustainable Living Practices – practical demonstrations on converting waste to compost for healthier soil; and Seed Ball Activity – hands‑on creation of seed balls with native seeds, empowering participants for afforesting their surroundings.

Participants included students from Fergussons College, Haribhai V Desai College, Lakshmibai Barne High School, Prerna High School, Khivansara Patil High School, and members of local women’s self‑help groups. Through the IONIQ Forest initiative, HMIF reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and community collaboration, planting not just trees, but hope for a cooler, greener and better tomorrow.

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“The International Day of Biodiversity is an apt occasion to reinforce our commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation into business practices through measurable, science-led, and outcome-oriented initiatives. We believe that protecting ecosystems is not separate from business growth, but essential to building long-term resilience, operational efficiency, and sustainable value creation. As industries evolve, businesses that invest in nature-positive practices will be better positioned to drive responsible growth, strengthen stakeholder trust, and future-proof operations,” said Tejashree Joshi, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Godrej Enterprises Group.

Decades-long continuous scientific efforts have resulted in improving the biodiversity index of Godrej’s Vikhroli campus by 19% in FY 2024-25. This critical mangrove habitat provides various ecosystem services, including Carbon sequestration. The Vikhroli mangroves currently hold over 23lakhs tCOe of sequestered carbon, significantly contributing to mitigating the impacts of climate change for the city of Mumbai. The awareness initiatives around mangroves reached nearly 1,20,000 beneficiaries over the last three years, through various Mangrove Awareness programmes, including Magical Mangroves in collaboration with WWF-India, underscoring the Group’s effort to combine on-ground action with public engagement. Its involvement and support of the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI) aligns its operations with global biodiversity goals and integrates nature-positive practices across its value chain.

Further strengthening its efforts, Godrej Enterprises Group supports collaborative initiatives such as the India Wetlands Coalition, aimed at corporate participation in conserving critical wetland ecosystems and addressing nature loss beyond the campus and statute, and the Mangroves Coalition that aims to support stakeholders like government, citizens, and local communities to better protect, manage, and coexist with their city’s mangroves

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NEW DELHI: Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today announced the expansion of SE Advisory Services, its flagship global consulting brand in India. The offering is aimed at helping enterprises navigate rising energy complexity, cost pressures, and decarbonisation requirements. It combines world-class strategic advisory with AI-powered software and end-to-end project implementation to support organisations through the evolving energy transition.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets, India is witnessing a sharp rise in electricity demand, projected to grow at over 6% annually, driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and digital adoption. At the same time, India’s upgraded climate commitments as per the latest NDCs — targeting 60% non‑fossil fuel-based power capacity and a 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 — are accelerating the need for smarter, more efficient, and technology-led energy management.

Deepak Sharma, MD & CEO, Zone President – Greater India, Schneider Electric, said, “India’s energy demand is growing rapidly, but the real challenge for businesses today is managing energy smarter, not just consuming more of it. As costs rise and decarbonisation becomes business-critical, organisations need integrated solutions that combine strategy, digital intelligence, and execution. SE Advisory Services is designed to help businesses make faster, more informed decisions and translate ambition into measurable outcomes.”

SE Advisory Services is designed to provide end-to-end support from strategy to execution. It brings together a comprehensive portfolio of solutions across:

• Sustainable Business & Industrial Transformation: Supporting enterprises in advancing decarbonisation, digital transformation, electrification, renewable integration, circularity, and low-carbon operations across both energy systems and industrial processes.
• Risk Management & Resilience: Helping organisations navigate energy volatility, cybersecurity, climate risks, and system disruptions to reduce downtime, harden connected systems, and build operational resilience
• Resource & Asset Performance:  Strategically assessing resources and systems to enhance reliability, reduce waste, and unlock capacity for growth.
• Intelligent Software: Providing specialized, AI-enabled software solutions built on deep advisory expertise to connect fragmented workflows and translate insights into action.

Venkat Garimella, Vice President- Sustainability, Greater India Zone, Schneider Electric, said, “What we are seeing across industries is a clear shift. Energy, automation, and digital systems are no longer separate conversations; they are deeply interconnected. As a result, transformation cannot happen in silos.

Organisations need a partner who understands this convergence and can translate it into actionable change on the ground. Our Advisory Services are designed to deliver exactly that by combining sustainability expertise with advanced energy technologies, digital innovation, and execution capabilities. We are helping customers not only identify opportunities for efficiency and decarbonisation, but also implement them at scale and realise tangible business outcomes, while strengthening resilience, future-proofing operations, and staying ahead of rapidly evolving regulatory and market expectations.”

By treating energy management as a strategic asset rather than a fixed cost, Schneider Electric is ensuring that the infrastructure of the future is as intelligent as it is powerful. Through SE Advisory Services, the company continues to evolve with the nation, transitioning from an electrification hardware provider to a global hub for energy innovation and strategic excellence. By orchestrating the journey

from the grid to the chip, Schneider Electric is empowering Indian businesses to lead the global transition toward a more resilient, sustainable, and digitized future.

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The MoU was signed by Mr Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO, Hero Future Energies, in the presence of Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri K. Vijayanand, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt of AP, Dr M. Kamalakar Babu, Vice Chairman & MD, NREDCAP, Govt of AP and Sri C.M. Saikanth Varma, IAS, CEO, AP Economic Development Board and Mr Rahul Munjal, Founder & CMD, Hero Future Energies and senior officials from both sides at Visakhapatnam, on the sidelines of the AP Govt – CII Partnership Summit. Under the agreement, HFE will establish the renewable energy generation projects in two phases, creating over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs in total.

As part of the MoU, HFE will leverage its expertise in renewable energy technology, design, and implementation to set up the projects in a time-bound manner. Hon’ble CM of Andhra Pradesh assured HFE Chairman that NREDCAP and APEDB will facilitate necessary assistance to enable project development, including coordination with relevant departments of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Union Government of India for required approvals and support. In response, HFE Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Rahul Munjal, informed the Hon’ble Chief Minister that HFE will invest an additional INR 15000 crore in renewable energy projects in the state, taking the total value of the current proposed investments to INR 30,000 crores.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Munjal, Founder and CMD, Hero Future Energies, said, “This partnership marks more than an investment—it’s a step towards redefining how States and private enterprise can jointly drive India’s clean energy transition. Andhra Pradesh’s proactive policy environment and strong infrastructure make it a top priority investment destination.”

Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO, Hero Future Energies, said, “The proposed projects are proving ground for complex renewable ecosystems that combine scale, innovation, and impact. Through this MoU, we are adding 4 GW of green capacity and also setting in motion a model of sustainable industrial growth that generates long-term employment, attracts ancillary industries, and strengthens the AP’s role in India’s decarbonisation journey.”

The MoU will remain valid for a period of 12 months from the date of signing and aims to enable swift project commencement and investment facilitation in the renewable energy sector of Andhra Pradesh.

Hero Future Energies (HFE) is rapidly positioning itself as a powerhouse in India’s clean energy ecosystem, scaling an integrated portfolio that spans solar, wind, hybrid systems, and green hydrogen. Building on its proven track record in hybrid and advanced renewable solutions, the company has recently secured major MoUs — including one with the Government of Karnataka for a ₹11,000 crore investment in renewables and green hydrogen, and financing support of ₹1,024 crore from the State Bank of India for a 60 MW hybrid solar-wind-storage project in Andhra Pradesh. These commitments reflect HFE’s strategic shift beyond conventional generation into firm, dispatchable renewable energy and decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, with a growing international footprint across Europe and Southeast Asia. Backed by marquee investors like KKR and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), HFE is driving expansion through technology integration, geographic diversification, and complex project structuring—cementing its role as a front-runner in India’s energy transition.

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The goal is simple—get just enough clean water to thirsty roots while spending as little money and soil health as possible—but the options couldn’t be more different.

Surface Water: Rivers, Canals, and Lakes

If your land borders a river that flows year-round, drawing surface water can feel like winning the irrigation lottery. There’s usually plenty to go around in late winter and spring, and the gravity-fed canals that older districts still rely on cost next to nothing to run. Yet every silver lining hides a cloud. Low summer levels force rationing at exactly the wrong moment, and a single upstream chemical spill can turn an entire season upside-down overnight. 

Open channels also leak—evaporation and seepage claim more gallons than most growers care to admit, and weeds thrive along warm, slow stretches. When it works, surface water is brilliant; when it doesn’t, there’s no Plan B except praying for rain.

Groundwater: Deep Wells and Aquifers

Digging a well feels like independence: no river bureaucrats, no canal fees, just the hum of a pump and the splash into a holding tank. Groundwater arrives cool, clear, and consistent, which helps during unpredictable heat waves. The catch comes later. Each foot the water table drops steals a bit more electricity, and those power bills climb quietly year after year. 

Minerals lurking below—iron, manganese, even salt in coastal plains—can gum up drip emitters or stunt delicate crops. Worst of all, aquifers recharge slowly, and neighbors rarely coordinate withdrawal rates, so over-pumping is everyone’s problem and nobody’s fault. Wells are free with a meter running.

Recycled Wastewater: Closing the Loop

Cities flush away millions of cubic meters daily, and treated effluent now lands in row crops, citrus groves, and turf farms from Arizona to Queensland. Done right, it’s a two-for-one deal: growers score a low-cost, fertilizer-rich flow while municipalities slash disposal costs. Filters and ultraviolet lamps knock pathogens down to safe levels, but oversight must stay sharp—one missed test can sour grocery-buyer confidence for years. 

Salts and trace pharmaceuticals linger even after advanced treatment, so most farmers rotate soil amendments and run occasional freshwater flushes to keep electro-conductivity in check. It’s progress with paperwork, but the economics can be hard to beat.

Harvested Rainwater: Ponds, Tanks, and Timing

Nothing beats the purity of rain caught before it touches ground, and lining a hillside pond or dotting greenhouse gutters with barrels turns fleeting storms into insurance. Storage isn’t cheap, though; liners, silt traps, and algae management eat capital fast, and a dry spell can empty tanks just when tassels emerge. 

That’s why many growers pair pond storage with vertical turbine pumps that tolerate fluctuating depths and push water into drip grids on demand. In wet years, the setup shines; in droughts, it’s a helpful supplement rather than a standalone answer, but the investment still pays off in consumer goodwill and modest utility savings.

Conclusion

Every source carries a personality as distinct as the soils it serves. Surface water is generous until it vanishes, wells are loyal until they’re not, recycled wastewater rewards vigilance, and rain capture gambles on the sky. Smart growers rarely marry just one; they blend two or three, hedge their risks, and watch the gauges like hawks. In irrigation, as in crops, diversity keeps the barn door open for another season.

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PUNE: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., today announced the successful plantation of 5 lakh trees under the Hyundai IONIQ Forest initiative. This milestone marks a significant step toward the project’s goal of planting 10 lakh trees in total across 90.5 acres within a year at Dange Chowk, Pimpri-Chinchwad, making it one of the largest urban plantations in Maharashtra state.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Sunil Shelke, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Maval Constituency, Pune; Shri Vishwajit Shrirang Barne; Dr Ratikant Navtake, Asst Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry, Tathwade, Pune; along with Mr. Jeongick Lee, Function Head – Corporate Affairs, HMIL, Mr. Shyamkumar Singh, Function Lead, Production (Pune), HMIL, Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, and other representatives from HMIL and Oriearth Nature Foundation.

Launched on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, the IONIQ Forest began with the plantation of 1,000 saplings using the Miyawaki method, a technique known for creating dense, fast-growing, and biodiverse forests. The project uses 41 native tree species, ensuring ecological resilience and promoting biodiversity by creating natural habitats for birds, insects, and other fauna.

This initiative is deeply rooted in community participation, focusing on sustainable environmental practices that benefit both people and the planet. Over the next five years, the forest is projected to absorb approximately 63,000 tons of CO₂, making a measurable impact on climate resilience and inclusive growth. It has also created green jobs for over 100 individuals from tribal communities, while also promoting ecosystem restoration, water conservation through rainwater harvesting and check dams, and sustainable land use practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Sunil Shelke, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Maval Constituency, said, “This initiative is a powerful demonstration of corporate responsibility aligned with environmental stewardship. I congratulate the team behind this effort and encourage more such partnerships for a sustainable tomorrow.”

Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, said, “Hyundai Motor India Limited is driving the IONIQ Forest program – a nationwide greening and afforestation effort spanning Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This initiative is our way of giving back—not just to the environment, but to the communities we serve. Through the Miyawaki method, in Maharashtra, we are creating a dense, biodiverse forest that supports local livelihoods, fosters community engagement, and promotes long-term sustainability.”

Once completed, the forest will be opened to schools and local communities for educational tours and environmental awareness programs, fostering a culture of sustainability among future generations.

This initiative is part of Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s broader commitment to Maharashtra, with a ₹56 crore CSR investment supporting projects in environment, healthcare, road safety, and community welfare, in alignment with the state’s development goals. 

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Dr. Bhagawan Pawar, Deputy Director of Health Services, Pune Circle, inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. Delivering his keynote on “Air Quality Challenges, Health Impacts, Actions & Future of Pune,” Dr. Pawar outlined his department’s ongoing efforts to address air quality challenges across the region.

“Recognising the seriousness of the problem, we have strengthened air quality monitoring and data integration in partnership with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and SAFAR (IITM Pune) to ensure real-time data is available for both citizens and decision-makers,” he said.

He highlighted initiatives such as public awareness campaigns in schools and communities to educate people about precautions during high-pollution days, discouraging open burning, and promoting behavioural change. The department, he noted, has enhanced healthcare preparedness through special respiratory clinics, wider availability of nebulisers and inhalers, and training for doctors to identify pollution-related health issues early. Coordination with PMC, PCMC, and the Zilla Parishad continues to focus on dust control at construction sites and strengthening waste-segregation systems.

“Looking ahead, our vision is clear – to make Pune a model city for clean air and healthy living,” Dr. Pawar added. “Our success will depend on collective participation. Government, industry, academia, and citizens must work together, combining technology, research, and awareness to build a cleaner and healthier future. Clean air is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right essential for the future of our children.”

The conference underscores that indoor air quality is no longer a niche concern –  it directly impacts public health, workplace productivity, and community well-being. With India’s rapid urbanisation and rising pollution levels, IAQ India 2025 has emerged as a national platform connecting science, policy, and design to drive collective action.

Delegates are engaging in sessions that address the urgent need for cleaner indoor environments through knowledge exchange, technology showcases, and collaborative frameworks aligned with India’s health and sustainability goals. Alongside the conference, visitors can explore innovations in air purification, ventilation systems, sensors, and smart building management solutions showcased by leading companies and research institutions.

Delivering the Conference Keynote, Mr. Vikram Murthy, Conference Chair, AHRI India Representative & Director, Univac Environment Systems, spoke on “Air Quality at Crossroads: Bridging Public Health, Policy, and Urban Development.” He emphasised the growing air quality challenges in Indian cities and their direct impact on productivity and well-being.

“Air quality must be treated as a cornerstone of sustainable urban growth,” Mr. Murthy noted, calling for integrated policies that connect healthcare, building standards, and urban development.

Co-Conference Chair, Mr. Ashish Rakheja, Fellow ASHRAE, ISHRAE, and Sr. Fellow IGBC; Managing Partner, AEON Consultant, highlighted the deep interlinkage between ambient and indoor air quality. “Most Indian cities experience hazardous levels of PM2.5, NOx, and other pollutants that infiltrate indoor spaces. The lack of enforceable IAQ standards and public awareness leads to unhealthy buildings that fail to protect occupants,” he said.

Mr. Rakheja stressed the need for a multi-pronged approach integrating design, technology, and policy – including filtered mechanical ventilation, low-emission materials, and real-time IAQ monitoring. Post-COVID learnings, he added, have further reinforced the value of ventilation and purification in shared spaces.

Mr. Vanshaj Kaul, Director, Eurovent India, remarked, “IAQ India 2025 is dedicated to promoting healthier, smarter, and more sustainable indoor environments. Clean indoor air is vital to our comfort, productivity, and long-term health. I applaud the organisers for bringing together experts and innovators to drive collective action for cleaner air and a better future.”

Day One of IAQ India 2025 focused on Air Quality, Public Health, and Policy Frameworks, while Day Two will explore Design, Technology, and Operational Excellence.

Organised by Thermal Control Magazine, the event represents a landmark effort to mainstream IAQ as a national agenda, aligning with India’s broader sustainability and public-health missions.

IAQ India 2025 reaffirms that clean indoor air is not merely a comfort parameter — it is a cornerstone of human well-being and sustainable urban living.

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LONAVALA: Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, conducted its annual employee-led trekking and plantation drive at Walwhan Garden, Lonavala. The initiative saw over 200 participants, including Tata Power employees and colleagues from other Tata Group companies, come together to strengthen the green cover of the region by planting more than 250 native saplings and over 1000 seeds.

Employee volunteering has been at the heart of Tata Power for over a century, with the company today recording one of the highest per capita volunteering hours across Tata Group companies. Over the last five decades, this collective spirit has shaped the plantation journey at Walwhan, transforming it into one of India’s few recognized biodiversity hotspots. The Garden now nurtures orchids, reptiles, amphibians, bird species, and aquatic life, while serving as a hub for biodiversity conservation and environmental learning. It provides a living platform for students and researchers in botany, zoology, and allied sciences, and has hosted national seminars on mahseer conservation and field studies documenting diverse flora and fauna. More than a plantation site, Walwhan stands as a living demonstration of how sustained corporate volunteerism can drive conservation, education, and community participation.

Since 1970, Tata Power has planted more than 15 million seeds and saplings across hydro catchment areas with active involvement from employees and community volunteers. In the current monsoon season alone, nearly two lakh native saplings have been added in these catchment landscapes. These efforts have restored habitats, enhanced biodiversity, and supported seasonal livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Tata Power’s plantation efforts have always centred on native species endemic to the Northern Western Ghats, chosen for their role in restoring habitats, enriching biodiversity, and strengthening ecosystem resilience. This year’s drive also included complementary seed sowing in steep terrains, extending regenerative impact across wider landscapes. Alongside ecological restoration, the effort deepened community participation and strengthened collective ownership of sustainability.

Guided by its environmental policy, Tata Power will continue to expand native-species plantations and ecological monitoring at Walwhan and other project sites. The initiative reflects the company’s sustainability vision #SustainableIsAttainable, reinforcing its commitment to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and building a greener future for India.

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