In the midst of Greater Noida’s expanding urban landscape, a once-barren stretch of land in Momnathal Village has been quietly transforming into a thriving green oasis. Through the collaborative vision of EXL Service.com and Give Me Trees Trust (GMTT), this initiative exemplifies how thoughtful corporate partnerships can drive tangible environmental restoration. What began as a plantation effort in 2022 has evolved into a living ecosystem, home to native trees, pollinators, and community hope. The Urban Forest Project is more than an afforestation drive; it is a model of long-term ecological resilience, biodiversity revival, and community stewardship, proving that when people and purpose come together, nature flourishes.
Rooted in Purpose: The Story Behind Give Me Trees Trust
Give Me Trees Trust (GMTT) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to afforestation, biodiversity conservation, biological carbon sequestration, environmental literacy, and community livelihood creation. Registered in 2011 under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, the Trust is now India’s largest tree-planting movement. Founded by Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba), who has personally planted over 1.27 crore Peepal trees, GMTT has a PAN-India presence and has converted more than 2,72,000 hectares of land into green spaces. The organization has established 278+ mini forests, now serving as vital habitats for birds, butterflies, and other fauna, reinforcing India’s ecological resilience.
Planting Possibility: The Urban Forest Vision Comes Alive
Project Name: Urban Forest
CSR Partner: EXL Service.com
Implementation Partner: Give Me Trees Trust
Location: Momnathal Village, Sector 150, Greater Noida
Duration: July 2022 to till date
Objectives aligned with CSR and Sustainability
- Increase green cover through native tree plantation
- Enhance biodiversity by prioritizing native species
- Promote sustainable ecosystems through afforestation
- Build environmental awareness via community engagement
Healing the Land: Why Restoration Mattered Here
Situated within the rapidly urbanizing belt of Greater Noida, Momnathal Village faced severe environmental degradation and a lack of green infrastructure. The unchecked expansion of residential and commercial development had led to shrinking vegetation, rising dust pollution, and limited biodiversity. The local community had minimal access to green, breathable spaces, while the floodplain terrain of the Yamuna region remained ecologically stressed and vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
The objective was to restore ecological balance and promote environmental awareness by transforming the barren site into a thriving, sustainable green zone. The approach combined site assessment, native tree plantation, and community participation, ensuring that restoration efforts were both ecologically sound and socially inclusive.
To strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem services, eco-infrastructures such as insect hotels and bat houses were introduced, supporting pollinators and natural pest control species. Regular maintenance, and volunteer-driven care ensured healthy sapling survival and resilience.
Designing for Growth: The Strategy Behind the Green
The Momnathal Plantation Project was implemented under EXL’s Urban Forest initiative in partnership with Give Me Trees Trust, focusing on urban greening and ecological restoration in Greater Noida’s floodplain region. The approach began with baseline environmental assessments to understand soil health, water quality, and terrain suitability.
Till date, 52,000 native tree saplings have been planted, transforming a previously underutilized patch into a vibrant and thriving green ecosystem. Alongside plantation, biodiversity-supportive eco-structures such as insect hotel andbat house were installed. Protective bamboo fencing, pathway development, and regular upkeep including mulching,manuring, and de-weeding have ensured survival and healthy growth of saplings.
Community and volunteer engagement was central to execution - involving local residents, EXL employees, and volunteers in plantation, maintenance, and awareness drives. Innovative, nature-based interventions were used to create microhabitats for pollinators, promoting both ecological and social participation.
Nature’s Return: Measuring the Impact on Ecology and People
Work at the Momnathal Plantation Site began in 2022, and over three years, the site has shown steady ecological improvement through consistent plantation, maintenance, and biodiversity-focused interventions. What began as a plantation effort has now evolved into a functioning urban ecosystem that reflects measurable environmental and social progress.
Ecological Outcomes
• Plantation of 52,000 native saplings, comprising 50 tree species, 26 shrub species, and 2 bamboo varieties, creating a balanced vegetative structure that supports ecological resilience.
• Establishment of microhabitats including insect hotels and bat house has encouraged the return of pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Documented increase in faunal diversity with 16 butterfly species, 60 bird species, 9 mammals, 5 reptiles, and 5 amphibians, indicating a healthy ecosystem.
• Continuous maintenance has improved soil health, nutrient balance, and moisture retention, ensuring strong plant survival.
• It contributes to carbon sequestration, air purification, groundwater recharge, and soil stabilization, enhancing the site’s long-term environmental value.
Social Impact
• The project has strengthened community participation and awareness, encouraging residents and volunteers to actively engage in plantation care and biodiversity conservation.
• It has instilled environmental ownership and pride among local stakeholders, ensuring continuity of care and protection.
• The initiative also supports livelihood generation through nursery work, maintenance, and linking sustainability with community well-being.
From Hands to Heart: Voices that Shaped the Forest
People associated with the Momnathal plantation shared their experiences and observations about the site’s progress and growing greenery, expressing appreciation for its transformation and ongoing maintenance efforts-
“A year ago, this space was barren and lifeless! today it feels like stepping into a living forest. The transformation is truly inspiring. We may come for a day to plant, but the Give Me Trees team nurtures this place every day, turning vision into reality.”
-Emmanuel Alexander, EXL Representative
“It’s heartening to see how this green belt has flourished. The saplings we planted are now thriving trees, and being part of this change feels deeply rewarding. Initiatives like this remind us that every tree planted is a gift to the planet and to future generations.”
-Georgina, HR Manager, EXL
Working here opened our eyes to the beauty and importance of trees. Seeing this forest grow has inspired me to bring more people to volunteer - it’s a powerful reminder that collective effort can truly revive nature.”
-Siddhant Shukla, Volunteer
Walking through this young forest feels different - it’s peaceful, alive, and full of meaning. Planting trees here wasn’t just an activity; it was a connection with nature that we’ll carry forward in every green effort ahead.”
-Soami, Volunteer
Growing Beyond Today: Sustaining a Living Legacy
The Momnathal initiative has been envisioned as a long-term model for ecological restoration rather than a one-time plantation effort. Going forward, the focus will remain on strengthening green cover, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring that the site continues to thrive through community stewardship and scientific upkeep.
Key sustainability actions include:
• Replacement of saplings and consistent soil enrichmentusing organic compost and mulching to maintain soil health and moisture.
• Development of eco-friendly site features such as bamboo fencing, water storage structure for groundwater recharge.
• Continued community engagement programs and volunteer-driven maintenance to ensure collective ownership and long-term care.
In the years ahead, the plantation is expected to deliver far-reaching ecological and climate benefits that extend beyond the immediate site.
Full Circle: When Restoration Becomes a Way of Life
The Momnathal initiative exemplifies how thoughtful ecological planning and collective community action can transform a neglected landscape into a thriving green ecosystem. By restoring soil health, reviving biodiversity, and fostering long-term environmental awareness, the project has created lasting value for both people and nature.
Beyond its immediate impact, the initiative reinforces the importance of sustained environmental stewardship - demonstrating that consistent care, collaboration, and nature-based solutions can build a greener, more balanced, and climate-resilient future for all.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this case study is the courtesy of Give Me Trees Trust.
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