New Delhi, August 23, 2023. Standard Chartered Bank, in collaboration with the Indian Army, National Security Guard (NSG), and non-governmental organization Bhumi, has successfully planted 1 million native trees across three distinct locations as part of Project Treedom. This initiative aims to pave the way for a more sustainable and greener future. Under the endeavour, significant numbers of saplings were introduced to previously unused lands in three regions: Ahmednagar in Maharashtra (0.5 million), the historic Aravalli ranges near Delhi (0.3 million), and the arid, sandy terrain of Jodhpur in Rajasthan (0.2 million).
The introduction of native tree species holds the potential to foster habitat growth, boost biodiversity, enhance soil quality, counteract land degradation, arrest desertification, and facilitate cleaner water sources through improved water cycles. Particularly noteworthy is the role of the Aravalli hills, renowned for their natural cracks and fissures, which make them ideal for groundwater recharge. This is particularly vital as groundwater extraction exceeds recharge by threefold in the region. Additionally, the resilient trees planted in the humid tropics will increase oil production for biofuel and provide ample oil cake for livestock, all while requiring minimal maintenance in challenging conditions. This contributes to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, moving closer to a net-zero environment.
Beyond tree planting, this initiative includes the restoration of seven water bodies and the creation of water sources from wastewater to counteract the adverse effects of climate change. This will involve desilting lakebeds, adjusting gradient slopes, establishing rainwater catchments, securing lake slopes and bunds, creating runoff slope formations, and designing areas for bird nesting and breeding. In a similar effort in 2022, Standard Chartered Bank and Bhumi had planted an impressive 158,000 trees in a record-breaking 45 days within the Aravalli ranges at the NSG campus in Manesar.
Zarin Daruwala, Cluster CEO, India and South Asia markets, Standard Chartered Bank said, “For the Bank, Project Treedom is an important milestone as it is our single largest commitment towards environment protection with dedicated focus on tree plantation, water conservation and restoration of water bodies. Through this three-phased initiative, we are working towards contributing to the communities by helping make a positive and visible impact by increasing green cover to combat climate change and enhancing ground water levels which is a critical requirement for both the existing and future generations.”
Brigadier Russell D’Souza, Commandant MIC&S Ahmednagar said, “Standard Chartered Bank is playing a major role in enhancing the flora and fauna at the Waste Land Development Project of the Mechanised Infantry Centre. The project at Ahmednagar has brought about tangible ecological changes over the past three decades and is sure to get a further fillip owing to Project Treedom.”
Dr Prahalathan, Co-Founder of Bhumi, said, “I am grateful to all the military personnel and Standard Chartered Bank for giving us this exceptional opportunity. Tree plantation and water restoration play a pivotal role in community welfare, fostering awareness about environmental conservation. At Bhumi, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, integrating sustainable practices across all our initiatives."
