TFP Bureau, Ambikapur, June 6, 2024: On World Environment Day, the Adani Group’s Natural Resources division reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by planting 25,000 saplings at the Parsa East Kanta Basan (PEKB) mine in Udaipur Tehsil of Surguja district. This initiative is part of the company’s broader goal to plant over 8.6 million trees by 2030, contributing to the Adani Group’s overarching aim of planting 100 million trees by the same year.
The PEKB mine, recognized as the only 5-star rated mine in Chhattisgarh by the Ministry of Coal, hosted a large-scale plantation event with the participation of 800 individuals. Over the last decade, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) has planted more than 1.15 million trees on reclaimed land at the PEKB mine, marking the largest reforestation effort in India’s mining sector.
A noteworthy aspect of this initiative is the development of a nursery for the native Sal tree by RRVUNL and its mine operator, Adani Natural Resources. They have successfully grown and planted over 87,000 Sal saplings through a challenging cultivation process.
On World Environment Day, activities included a march from the administrative building to Hanuman Vatika, followed by the plantation of 25,000 saplings near the mine. Advanced irrigation and nutrition systems were installed for these plants. Prior to the event, essay competitions and awareness programs from June 1 to 4 engaged 295 students from nearby villages, with winners receiving awards.
The horticulture department employs innovative techniques such as Miyawaki and Goti air layering to promote environmental protection, sustainable development, and biodiversity within the mining area. Thousands of Sal saplings have been prepared, transforming over 1,100 acres of reclaimed mine land into a thriving forest with trees reaching heights of 20-30 feet. This year’s target is to plant 82,000 Sal saplings.
Rajkumar Pandey, head of the mine’s horticulture department, noted, “In 2023, the mine planted over 212,000 trees under the guidance of the Forest Department and successfully transplanted more than 9,000 Sal trees. An advanced nursery at the mine maintains around 300,000 saplings ready for planting throughout the year.”
Adani Natural Resources has also planted and distributed over 50,000 fruit and native saplings across five states, demonstrating its commitment to a greener future. The company aims to create a greener Chhattisgarh by continuing its extensive tree-planting efforts. Using the Japanese Miyawaki technique, they plan to grow dense forests by planting 55-60 native species per hectare, significantly increasing the density compared to traditional methods.
