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.

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.

The post Tata Power’s 200 Volunteers Unite for Annual Plantation Drive in Lonavala appeared first on NRI News.

HINJAWADI, PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration that blended love for parents with concern for the environment, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi, celebrated Parents’ Day with a meaningful outdoor activity, a community hike, and a plantation drive at Quadron Hill.

Gathering the school’s fundamental values of family bonding, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning, the celebration witnessed active participation by students and parents from all grades, from little tots at Montessori to confident learners in Grade 9.

The morning started with a spirited hike up Quadron Hill, as over 60 parents accompanied their children in enjoying the beauty of nature and well-being. The sound of families’ laughter was heard throughout the trails, making the morning a happy, collective experience.

The day’s highlight was a special plantation drive. With close to 80 saplings being planted by parent-student pairs, the green initiative was a beacon of growth, fostering, and shared responsibility in building a greener tomorrow. Every sapling symbolized a promise to nurture, guard, and cultivate together as a community.

Adding some creativity and emotional flair, students sang soulful music specially dedicated to their parents, giving thanks and appreciation in song. The celebration was rounded out by endearing handmade gifts: love-made neckties for fathers, and “Super Mom” badges pinned with pride on mothers’ offerings that brought smiles, giggles, and a few tears of joy.

“Parents’ Day is a call to the unseen but invaluable support families bring in a child’s life. By infusing celebration with purpose, we tried to make memories joyous, meaningful, and value-based,” said Sonika Kochhar Girotra, Principal, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi. “It was heartwarming to witness our students and parents connect over nature and purpose, the golden blend of learning and compassion.”

Ryan International Academy keeps redefining learning by integrating it harmoniously with intention, compassion, and social connection, one touching event at a time.

The post Ryan International Academy’s Inspiring Hike and Plantation Initiative at Quadron Hill appeared first on NRI News.

Talking about the initiative, Manju Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, said, “Environmental consciousness has always been an integral part of our development philosophy. Through consistent green initiatives, we have remained acutely aware of the real estate sector’s responsibility in mitigating environmental issues like pollution and climate change. Supporting the Uttar Pradesh Government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign is not just our duty, but it strongly aligns with our mission to build healthier, greener, and more responsible communities. This plantation drive is another step towards ensuring a more sustainable future for our residents and generations to come.”

Organised by Gaurs Foundation, the CSR arm of Gaurs Group, in association with Raahgiri Trust, the sapling plantation drive was led by students of Gaurs International School. This initiative not only provided a valuable hands-on learning experience but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility in the young participants.

Gaurs Foundation has been instrumental in driving long-term environmental and social initiatives across the Group’s footprint. Over the years, Gaurs Group has implemented a range of CSR initiatives aimed at social welfare and sustainability initiatives, such as the setting up of a 15 MW solar power plant. With each green step, Gaursons India Private Limited reaffirms its vision of fostering environmentally responsible urban living while supporting broader governmental and societal missions for a cleaner, greener India.

The post Gaurs Group Joins UP Government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ with a Large-Scale Tree Planting Campaign appeared first on NRI News.