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. 

The post Hyundai Motor India Foundation Celebrates Planting 5 Lakh Trees at IONIQ Forest in Pune, Maharashtra appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: In celebration of International Tiger Day today, the Pune-based Jungle Belles hosted a special awareness session for school students under their initiative ‘Supermom of our Forests’ at B.V.B. Paranjape Vidya Mandir K.M. Munshi Kaladalan, 4th Floor, Kothrud, Pune, to introduce children to the remarkable lives of tigresses and to foster a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.

Paranjape Vidya Mandir’s Secondary Headmistress, Smita Ranjekar, Primary Headmistress, Abhijata Chavan, Teachers of 5th and 6th standards of  Paranjape Vidya Mandir, Hemangi Vartak, founder of Jungle Belles, Sanjay Deshpande, Madhulika Tijare, Saurabh Chavan, Parth Salunke, Siddhesh Sonawane were present at the occasion.

Hemangi Vartak, through stories, visuals, and interactive discussions, brought to life the struggles and strength of the tigress, the top predator and arguably the most powerful mother in the forest.

She introduced the audience to some of India’s most iconic tigresses, including Chhoti Tara and Maya from Tadoba, Junabai from Tadoba Buffer, Mataram from Pench, Mausi Ma from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, K-Mark from Kolara, and others like F2 and Fairy from Umred Karandla. Students were shown photographs of these tigresses and learned fascinating facts about their lives, territories, and cubs.

She explained that a tigress usually lives for about 14 years. In her lifetime, she gives birth to 4 to 5 sets of cubs, with 1 to 5 cubs each time. Her pregnancy lasts around 3 months, and she takes care of her cubs for nearly 2.5 years. She raises them all on her own, without help from the male tiger. The tigress hunts, protects, and feeds her cubs by herself. This is why she is truly a ‘supermom’. She survives and raises her family using only her instincts and strong willpower.

The session also shed light on the conservation efforts of the Indian government, particularly Project Tiger, which has been active since 1973. Vartak explained how modern tools like GPS collars, mobile apps, and camera traps are now used to monitor tiger movements and ensure their safety. She also discussed measures such as forest patrolling, the creation of safe buffer zones, and community education in villages near forests.

Students participated eagerly, asking questions about tiger behavior, conservation, and how they could contribute to protecting wildlife. The session concluded with a message of hope and responsibility: that every young person can be a part of preserving the majestic tigress and her home in the wild.

The post Discovering the ‘Supermom of Our Forests’ on World Tiger Day appeared first on NRI News.

As part of this project, 3.5 lakh trees will be planted to develop 650 hectares of forest land over one year, each tree being planted to revere one’s mother, who is the first Guru. The first tree to be planted by the Hon’ble Dy CM will be in the name of the respected Baa, Smt Shantaben, mother of Rev Daaji.

India has lost 2.19 million hectares of tree cover since 2000 – a concerning 5.6% decline – triggering rising concerns around climate change, habitat loss, and soil degradation. In response, FBH has pioneered a regenerative forest model that goes beyond conventional plantation drives. This model not only restores biodiversity and degraded soil but also empowers rural communities and reconnects people to nature through meditation and spiritual ecology.

Since its inception, Forests by Heartfulness has planted over 3 million trees across 10,000 acres of degraded lands in 12 states, conserving more than 80 endangered species with an impressive 90% survival rate. It operates 20 native nurseries housing 6 million saplings across 330 endemic species, making it one of India’s most diverse and robust plantation efforts.

“Daaji has instilled in us the vision to treat trees as sentient beings. With his inspiration and guidance, we are intertwining ancient wisdom and modern science to plant 30 million trees by 2030. Even children are learning to nurture and protect forests. Together, we’re building green futures one forest at a time,” said Dr. V. Ramakantha, Retired IFS and Chairman of Forests by Heartfulness.

Key Highlights of Forests by Heartfulness:

• 1200+ mature trees relocated with an 80% success rate
• 35 lakes restored or created, enabling 77 crore litres of water capacity
• 22 afforestation projects in 12 states on over 75,000 acres of degraded lands
• Use of biochar, check dams, phytosociological surveys, and activated compost to revive ecosystems
• Training programs in agroforestry, watershed management, and native nursery techniques for local communities

Unlike other popular methods, FBH’s approach follows a natural forest succession that avoids topsoil replacement and enriches it using organic compost, neem cake, and microbial activators. Every plantation site is selected through rigorous ecological surveys assessing soil composition, native vegetation, and hydrology to ensure long-term resilience and compatibility. This method fosters complex, multi-strata forest ecosystems involving trees, shrubs, herbs, creepers, and grasses, thereby supporting higher biodiversity and faunal integration.

Across India, Forests by Heartfulness is already bringing degraded land back to life. In Madhya Pradesh, 2,000 acres of scrub forest in Shivgarh, Ratlam, are being revived into native forests. In Ratlam, a 105-acre city forest acts as an oxygen bank for the local population. A similar model is being scaled at many places in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi NCR alongside the creation of water bodies, soil conservation structures, and sustainable livelihood through native fodder crops.

Last year, Heartfulness afforestation project named ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The launch took place on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima in the Maihar district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers.

To prevent desertification in central India, the Aravalli afforestation project is ongoing in full swing at the Aravalli Hills. For this, Taranga Hills in Mehsana District, Gujarat, were selected due to extreme aridity caused by scant rainfall (~400mm annually), high summer temperatures reaching 42°C, and vegetation loss from soil moisture depletion. The project is designed to transform this dry region into a sustainable green zone through infrastructure, strategic interventions, and water conservation. Economically viable, it includes the planting of 150,000 sandalwood trees along with a diverse range of native species, culminating in 625,000 saplings to boost biodiversity. The afforestation drive is structured in two phases: Phase I covers 50 hectares and Phase II 350 hectares. The peak elevation is 486 meters above sea level. The project includes a massive water conservation capacity of 6 crore litres supported by 715 rain guns—the world’s largest deployment in any afforestation initiative. These rain guns simulate rainfall, helping to convert arid land into a self-sustaining ecosystem. The initiative is expected to create over 10,000 jobs nationwide, with more than 1,000 roles generated in Gujarat alone.

As the world enters the second half of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), Forests by Heartfulness stands as a uniquely Indian model of climate action – scientifically robust, spiritually guided, and socially inclusive. The organization invites CSR partners, state governments, and civil society groups to join hands in accelerating the pace and depth of India’s green transformation.

A Greener Tomorrow, One Forest at a Time

FBH is not just planting trees – it’s growing living ecosystems, restoring balance, and creating climate-ready communities. As the world searches for sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, FBH offers a replicable, scalable, and deeply human model of regeneration.

The post Forests by Heartfulness: Committing to 30 Million Trees by 2030 with an Impressive 90% Survival Rate appeared first on NRI News.

The post Special Workshop and Talk on March 21st for International Day of Forests appeared first on NRI News.

This unprecedented training initiative is designed to equip forest personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to control, prevent, and suppress forest fires, thereby safeguarding India’s invaluable national heritage and biodiversity.

“Firefly Fire Pumps is committed to protecting our environment and supporting those on the front lines of forest fire defense,” said [Rohit Mali, Director of Firefly Fire Pumps]. “By partnering with Vallfirest and the Jharkhand State Forest Training Institute, we are proud to bring cutting-edge wildland firefighting expertise to India, empowering our forest personnel with the best tools and strategies available.”

The training program will cover a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Advanced firefighting techniques: Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and tactics for efficient fire suppression.
• Fire behavior analysis: Understanding the dynamics of forest fires to predict and control their spread.
• Risk assessment and prevention strategies: Implementing proactive measures to minimize the occurrence and impact of forest fires.
• Safe and effective use of wildland firefighting tools: Hands-on training with specialized equipment provided by Vallfirest.

“Vallfirest is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and training for wildland fire management worldwide,” stated Juan Carlos, Chief Sales Officer – Vallfirest. “We are honored to collaborate with Firefly Fire Pumps and the Jharkhand State Forest Training Institute to share our expertise and contribute to the protection of India’s forests.“

The Jharkhand State Forest Training Institute Mahilong will serve as the venue for this historic training program, providing a vital platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to combat forest fires and protect its natural resources. Firefly Fire Pumps, Vallfirest, and the Jharkhand State Forest Training Institute are committed to continuing this partnership and advancing forest fire management practices across the country.

The post Firefly Fire Pumps, Vallfirest, and Jharkhand State Forest Training Institute Unite for Groundbreaking Training in India appeared first on NRI News.

Founded in 2022, Baby Forest brings out the best of nature by offering products made up of all-natural ingredients. The brand wishes for every baby to enjoy the benefits of a forest, where Ayurveda was born, and where natural, organic nourishing solutions reside.

Located in the heart of Noida, the new store provides an immersive experience where customers can explore a diverse range of products designed to bring the best of wholesome wellness to your baby. From gentle skincare essentials to organic clothing, each product is crafted using age-old Ayurvedic formulations and thoughtfully displayed with informative details. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to offer guidance and address queries, providing a personalized shopping experience. 

The store’s ambiance characterized by earthy tones and textures reflects the brand’s commitment to blending luxury, sustainability, and traditional Indian wellness practices.

Holistic Baby Care on Display: The store showcases the brand’s comprehensive range of baby care products, all meticulously crafted using Ayurvedic principles and natural ingredients. From gentle washes, nourishing hair oils, hydrating face cream, ayurvedic face wash to massage oils, and a specially designed BPA FREE patented feeding bottle, each item is imbued with the transformative power of Ayurveda.

A Journey of Discovery: The store layout is designed to guide customers on a journey of discovery. Informative displays highlight the benefits of each product, allowing parents to make informed choices that align with their child’s unique needs and Ayurvedic principles. Knowledgeable staff is also available to answer questions and provide expert guidance.

More Than Just Products: Baby Forest’s flagship store goes beyond simply selling products like the bath ritual collection, everyday essentials, and organic clothing, It also offers a captivating educational experience. Visitors can learn about the rich history and philosophy of Ayurveda, gaining a deeper appreciation for these time-honored practices. This holistic approach sets Baby Forest apart, empowering parents to embrace the power of Ayurveda in their child’s well-being.

A Haven for Wellness: The flagship store marks Baby Forest’s commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience. Here, luxury meets sustainability and ancient wisdom to create a haven of holistic well-being for babies. The store serves as an invitation for parents to embark on a transformative journey, seamlessly integrating Ayurveda into the fabric of their baby’s care.

The founder of Baby Forest said, ‘We are thrilled to open our new store in Noida, bringing the essence of Ayurveda closer to families. Our goal is to create a sanctuary where every product embodies the purity of nature, ensuring that each baby receives the gentlest care possible.’

Their offerings are; Made with natural ingredients, Authentic Ayurvedic Formulations, Paraben and sulphate-free, Cruelty Free, Derma Safe, and Handcrafted in India. Baby Forest Ayurveda invites you to discover a sanctuary of natural goodness that celebrates every baby’s journey with tenderness and care.

Address: Baby Forest, E-449, 3rd Floor, DLF Mall of India, Sector-18, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

The post Baby Forest Ayurveda Opens New Store In Noida appeared first on NRI News.

ANDHRA PRADESH: The Apollo Hospitals Foundation and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department have partnered to plant 90,000 trees across the state, as part of Founder Chairman Apollo Hospitals Group Dr. Prathap C Reddy’s 90th Birthday Celebrations. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, preserve wildlife habitats, and improve air quality for local communities.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “This initiative is a step towards mitigating the impact of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.”

Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals’ CSR, added, “We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our Chairman’s 90th Birthday with a meaningful contribution to a greener future.” The Forest Department will provide saplings native to the region, and Apollo Foundation will manage plantation and maintenance.“

The plantation drive will use Miyawaki forest models to bring back native trees of the region and monitor survival rates through geo-tagging of each plant.

The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the environment and aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The 90,000 trees are being planted across Aragonda to offset the Apollo Hospitals Groups Carbon Footprint by 3800 Tonnes further strengthening its position as a futuristic leader in the healthcare industry.

This project aligns with Apollo Foundations’ long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. The company remains dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a greener future for a healthier tomorrow.

The post Upasna Kamineni Konidela joins hands with AP Forest department to plant 90000 trees appeared first on NRI News.