Tata Power has been associated with the Forest department of the Government of Maharashtra for its Afforestation Programme. The programme was initiated to counter the increased pressure on the biodiversity found in the region due to growing human and cattle population. The project looks to preserve and enhance the biodiversity around the areas related to catchments of six lakes in the Western Ghats of Maval and Mulshi Taluka in Pune District. As the Western Ghats are known for being a biodiversity hotspot, preserving the catchments has become a National priority that Tata Power has extended its wholehearted support to.
Over the past 40 years, Tata Power has planted saplings of fast growing tree species, native to the Western Ghats on hill slopes of the lake catchments. The Afforestation programme was intensified in 1991 and continues till date. During the last 10 years, the focus has been on growing indigenous local tree species found in the Western Ghats. These plants are nurtured at the nurseries of Tata Power in lonavala. This process is necessary to support the biological diversity in the eco-forest system and in turn restore the habitat for selected fauna.
Speaking on the initiative, Ashok Sethi, COO and ED, Tata Power, said, “At, Tata Power we are always mindful of the environment we operate in. Through this activity, we aim to preserve and enhance the biodiversity surrounding our facilities in the Western Ghats. This will go a long way in ensuring that our future generations will enjoy the same amount of natural resources that we have enjoyed. As responsible custodians of our operating environment, we at Tata Power will strive to continue nurturing nature thorough the Afforestation Programme initiated by the Forest department of the Government of Maharashtra.”