New Delhi, June 12, 2026: SBI Foundation and AROH Foundation have implemented a series of environmental sustainability initiatives across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Sikkim under the SBI Gram Seva Project, focusing on water conservation, groundwater recharge, afforestation, sanitation, and community participation.
The interventions aim to strengthen environmental resilience and improve the quality of life in rural communities through integrated development measures.
In Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, a plantation drive was organised on World Environment Day at the pond premises near Shiv Jangleshwar Temple in Gram Panchayat Mahmadapur. Community members and local stakeholders planted 31 saplings as part of efforts to increase green cover and promote environmental awareness. The plantation activity complemented ongoing SBI Gram Seva initiatives in the area, including agricultural support, livelihood promotion, waste management, educational infrastructure development, veterinary services, pond rejuvenation, and water conservation.
In Punjab, environmental restoration and water management activities were undertaken across the villages of Issa Panjgrain, Rana Panjgrain, Guddar Panjgrain, Chak Panje Ke, and Nau Behram Sher Singh Wala. A total of 21 rainwater harvesting pits were constructed to support groundwater recharge and improve water availability. Additionally, 910 saplings were planted across schools, playgrounds, village roadsides, crematorium grounds, and Gram Seva Kendras to enhance biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.
In Soreng district of Sikkim, the project focused on water conservation, sanitation, and ecological restoration across Karthok, Malbasey, Singling, Budang, and Mangsari villages. Key interventions included the construction of 42 soak pits, composite waste management pits, a biomedical waste sharps pit, and two water storage tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres each. Irrigation canals in Mangsari and Budang were restored to improve water access for agriculture, while check dams were built in Malbasey, Budang, and Mangsari to reduce soil erosion and enhance groundwater recharge. A Jan Van Plantation Drive also led to the planting of 400 saplings across the region.
Collectively, the initiatives resulted in the plantation of 1,341 saplings and the creation of critical water conservation infrastructure, including 63 rainwater harvesting and soak pits, water storage systems, irrigation improvements, and check dams.
Mr. Swapan Dhar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBI Foundation, reiterated the Foundation's commitment to holistic rural development. He emphasized that environmental conservation, sustainable water management, afforestation, and community-led development remain key focus areas under the SBI Gram Seva Project. He noted that these initiatives reflect the Foundation's vision of creating environmentally sustainable and socially empowered rural communities through long-term partnerships and grassroots participation.
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