The hydro and renewable divisions of Tata Power, India's largest integrated power company, planted one lakh sixty five thousand saplings today in the catchment areas of Maval and Mulshi to celebrate the company's centenary year of operation.
The plantation drive was inaugurated by Ashok Sethi, COO and ED, Tata Power.
The objective of this initiative was to educate all stakeholders on the crucial need to conserve the environment for a greener tomorrow.
The initiative witnessed the participation of around 100 volunteers from hydro and renewable divisions, including over 2,500 students, 100 villagers, 50 governments officials, and various NGOs from Maval and Mulshi.
The saplings planted are indigenous species specified by the forest department and includes Mango, Jambul, Khair, Bamboo, Sissoo, Hirda, Bheda, Sita -Ashok and Bhend.
Speaking on the initiative, Sethi said, "We, at Tata Power, are committed to protecting the environment in our operational areas. Our afforestation effort will further encourage local communities to take part in improving the greenery of their surroundings, and would also benefit the environment of the region. I would like to congratulate the team on the centenary as well as on this particular initiative, and extend my appreciation to the local administration and community for their support in the programme."
Officials from Lonavla Municipal Corporation (LMC), Bharati Vidyapeeth, and forest department also enthusiastically participated in the programme.
Certain notable guests were the PMRD chief; chairman Biodiversity Board, Maharashtra State; Satayajit Gujar, deputy conservator of forests, Pune; Dr Erach Bharucha, ex-chairman Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board; Ganesh Shete, chief operating officer ,LMC; Mr Zadhe, PMRD chief, and Mr Mali, principal, Lonavla College.
Tata Power plants one million trees in Mulshi and Maval areas every year during the monsoon, thus reinforcing the company's commitment towards environmental initiatives in its operational areas, and will help in strengthening its relationship with the communities.
