Mundra, located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Adani Group. For the Adani Foundation, it’s even more special because it is from here that we commenced our social development journey more than 28 years ago. I have been a part of the Foundation since 2011 and I have witnessed the power of carefully planned and executed initiatives that have touched the lives of thousands of people in and around Mundra.

One such intervention that holds a deep personal meaning for me is ‘Harit Paryavaran Ki Ek Pahal (HPKEP)’, which in English translates to ‘An Initiative Towards A Green Environment’. It is a sustainable afforestation program which aims to increase the green cover, mitigate the impact of climate change and restore ecological balance. By integrating diverse plant species and establishing a sustainable ecosystem, the program focuses on enriching biodiversity, enhancing air quality, and promoting environmental awareness among communities.

The Adani Foundation began mass tree plantation by planting approximately 1,00,000 trees at various public places in Mundra in the year 2012.

In 2020-2021, our team, along with the community members of Nana Kapaya village in Mundra, joined hands for a unique partnership to plant over 6,000 trees - featuring more than 40 species with medicinal and other beneficial properties - to create a dense forest. This was followed by the coming together of residents of Moti Bhujpur (a gram panchayat of Mundra block), and Visari Mata Seva Trust along with the Foundation team to carry out mass tree plantation in 2022. Thus, HPKEP project gained further momentum, driven by the active participation, engagement and support of community members.

HPKEP project spans across 8 key sites in Mundra covering more than 30 acres of land, with a cumulative plantation of over 1,85,000 trees. It is spread in sites namely Nani Khakhar, Borana, Dhrab, Moti Bhujpur, Desalpar, Vishrimata and Nana Kapaya.

HPKEP is based on the design of innovative plantation. Its four primary sections include Fruit-Bearing Plants, Native Species Plants, Medicinal Plants and High Oxygen-Producing Trees. Regular monitoring is carried out through drones and ground surveys to monitor the growth and health of trees. Along the borders of HPKEP, our teams have planted flowering plants to create a butterfly garden. This garden not only enhances the beauty of the area, but also attracts pollinators, playing a vital role in enriching biodiversity.

The sustainable management of land, water, soil, and plants plays a vital role in the successful running of this project. The focus lies in efficiently utilizing the land, water conservation, enhancing soil health, and biodiversity conservation, thereby ensuring that the initiative remains aligned with core environmental principles.

Moreover, the development of green belts and the improvement of air quality are also central to HPKEP. These green spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing but vital in combating the effects of pollution. The project has also led to the creation of corridors for wildlife, especially for migratory birds. This forest is now a sanctuary for many species, including reptiles, birds, and insects, showing that afforestation doesn’t just mean growing trees, it means strengthening the entire ecosystem.

HPKEP is also dedicated to improving livelihoods. By generating sustainable employment opportunities, it contributes both to the local economy and the broader goal of environmental sustainability. A rewarding part of this journey has been the active participation of local communities. They have embraced the project wholeheartedly - right from planting the saplings to maintaining the forests.

As of date, the Foundation’s mass afforestation efforts have expanded to over 150 locations across 35 villages in Mundra. One of the most remarkable achievements has been the planting of more than 10,000 trees in 5 acres of land in Deshlapar Kanthi, resulting in the capture of over 4,000 metric tons of carbon.

Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In August 2024, the Adani Foundation was awarded the Van Pandit Award by the Government of Gujarat for its mass afforestation efforts. We won the award for having planted over 1.7 lakh trees in the Kutch region between the period 2022-23. On behalf of our team, the award was received by my colleague, Mr Karshan Gadhavi, from Mr Bhupendra Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat.

It filled our hearts with satisfaction and joy when local village leader, Arvind Singh Jadeja, remarked, “The Adani Foundation has turned our barren land into a Sundarban.” This also gives us motivation and inspiration to reiterate our resolve to drive meaningful change at the grassroots.

I feel privileged to be able to play my part in bringing about a positive transformation in the lives of people. Through my fond association with the Foundation, coupled with the support of my team members, we remain committed in our mission to enable ‘Inclusive’, ‘Sustainable’ and ‘Transformative’ changes in the lives of people through our dedicated efforts.