At Reliance Industries Limited, sustainability is more than a mission; it's a responsibility we proudly uphold. In alignment with our commitment to environmental stewardship, we have undertaken tree plantation drives at the Terminal site in Kanpur Dehat and on surrounding school and Panchayat lands. These initiatives embrace the community forest concept, aiming not just to plant trees but to create shared green spaces that benefit both people and nature.

Through this initiative, we plant a wide variety of native species that are carefully selected to enhance ecological resilience, restore degraded or barren land, and improve soil health. The creation of these community forests fosters biodiversity, attracts pollinators and birds, and strengthens the local microclimate. Beyond the ecological impact, these plantations beautify surroundings, purify the air, and instill environmental consciousness among local communities, including students and village residents.

By transforming underutilized spaces into thriving community green zones, Reliance continues to combat climate change and promote collective environmental action. This initiative not only reflects our commitment to a greener India but also reaffirms our belief that small actions, rooted in community and nature, yield a lasting impact.

Project Planning & Execution

No. of trees:  Trees

Plantation Location: Kanpur Dehat, Mohana, Uttar Pradesh 209311

Plantation Date: 29th July 2025

Beneficiaries Details

• Target Population: Employees, stakeholders, and local community members of Kanpur Dehat

• Age Group: All age groups focus on adults to seniors

• Gender:  Inclusive of all genders

• Social & Economic Status: Open to all social and economic backgrounds, emphasizing community involvement

Planting Methodology and Its Advantages

Community Forest: A community forest is a carefully planned green space where trees, shrubs, and vegetation are planted to support local ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and provide social and economic benefits to nearby communities. It plays a crucial role in environmental conservation by improving air quality, preventing soil erosion, and increasing water retention. Additionally, community forests contribute to climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide while offering shade, fruit, and other resources to local populations. By fostering a strong connection between people and nature, community forests promote sustainable living and create long-term ecological and social benefits.

Advantages of Community Forest

• Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation: By creating natural habitats, community forests support diverse flora and fauna, promoting ecological balance and enhancing biodiversity in the region. 

• Climate Change Mitigation: Community forests play a vital role in capturing and storing carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change, and improving resilience against extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and storms.

• Cooling Effect: Community forests help regulate local temperatures by providing shade and facilitating transpiration, reducing heat stress in rural and semi-urban areas. This natural cooling effect helps create a more comfortable environment for surrounding communities.

• Improved Air Quality: Trees in community forests absorb pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, leading to cleaner air and reducing respiratory issues for nearby residents.

• Water and Soil Conservation: Community forests play a vital role in soil conservation and water management by stabilizing soil with extensive root systems, preventing erosion from wind and heavy rainfall, and reducing land degradation. 

• Resilience to Natural Disasters: Properly managed community forests can help reduce the impact of natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, by stabilizing the land and acting as natural barriers.

• Livelihood and Economic Benefits: Community forests provide valuable resources such as fruits, timber, medicinal plants, and fodder, supporting local economies and offering additional income opportunities for farmers and rural communities. 

• Educational Value: The community forest acts as a living classroom, offering insights into sustainable land management practices and environmental conservation. It provides opportunities for local communities, schools, and organizations to learn about biodiversity, water conservation, and the importance of ecological balance, fostering a culture of environmental awareness.

• Cultural and Social Benefits: Community forests serve as spaces for social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, and educational initiatives, strengthening community bonds and fostering environmental stewardship among local populations.

Conclusion Elements

Impact

Indirect Impact

Community Impact

• Improved Public Health: By enhancing air quality and providing shade, the community forest contributes to better public health. Green spaces encourage outdoor activities, reducing stress, promoting mental well-being, and lowering the risk of respiratory diseases.

• Economic Benefit: The plantation of fruit-bearing and indigenous trees provides long-term economic benefits to the local community by generating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, improving soil quality for agriculture, and enhancing local biodiversity, which supports ecotourism and related activities.

• Environmental Awareness: Engaging employees and local communities in tree plantations raises awareness about environmental conservation and fosters sustainable habits in everyday life.

• Employee Morale: The initiative instilled a sense of pride and collective responsibility among employees, strengthening team bonds and reinforcing their alignment with the company’s values.

• Inspiration for Change: The success of this initiative has motivated other organizations and local communities to take up similar environmental efforts, promoting a culture of sustainability.

• Cultural Shift: By actively participating in reforestation efforts, employees and community members developed a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, advocating for green practices in their personal and professional lives.

• Higher Property Values: Proximity to green spaces often leads to higher real estate values, benefiting local economies.

Environmental Impact

• Carbon Sequestration: The trees planted through Reliance Industries Limited’s community forest act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and contributing to climate change mitigation.

• Soil Health Improvement: The initiative improves soil quality by adding organic matter, enhancing fertility, and supporting the growth of native vegetation.

• Erosion Prevention: The deep root systems of planted trees help stabilize soil, preventing erosion caused by wind and water, thereby protecting nearby lands and infrastructure.

• Biodiversity Conservation: By creating a diverse green space, the project provides habitats for various species, including birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, strengthening the local ecosystem.

• Water Cycle Regulation: Trees aid in groundwater recharge by improving water retention in the soil, reducing surface runoff, and contributing to a more balanced and sustainable water cycle.

• Microclimate Regulation: The plantation helps moderate temperature fluctuations, increase humidity, and reduce wind speeds, fostering a favorable environment for both the community and local wildlife.

Achievements

SDG Goals Achieved through Community Forest

• SDG 1: No Poverty- Reliance Industries Limited’s Community Forest Initiative contributes to SDG 1: No Poverty by enhancing local livelihoods through sustainable practices. The plantation of fruit-bearing and native trees in Kanpur Dehat supports economic opportunities for nearby communities by providing resources such as fruits, fodder, and medicinal plants.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger- Fruit-bearing trees contribute to food security by providing nutritious resources and supporting efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in underserved areas.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being- Trees improve air quality, reduce pollution-related diseases, and promote mental well-being by creating green spaces for relaxation and physical activity.

• SDG 4: Quality Education- The Reliance Industries Limited initiative fosters environmental awareness and lifelong learning, educating employees and communities on the importance of sustainability and ecological balance.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation- Trees enhance groundwater recharge, prevent soil erosion, and reduce water pollution, ensuring cleaner and more sustainable water resources for communities.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth- Green job creation through afforestation activities supports economic growth, offering employment in site preparation, sapling maintenance, and forest management.

•  SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure- Sustainable infrastructure development through green initiatives like community forests promotes innovative solutions to environmental challenges, building long-term resilience.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities-  The Reliance Industries Limited Community forests improve urban livability by reducing pollution, mitigating the heat island effect, and providing green spaces for recreation and well-being.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production- Sustainable resource management through tree plantations encourages responsible consumption, ensuring the long-term availability of renewable resources like fruits and timber.

• SDG 13: Climate Action- Trees act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation while promoting environmental awareness and conservation.

• SDG 15: Life on Land- The Reliance Industries Limited initiative supports biodiversity, prevents land degradation, and combats deforestation by restoring ecosystems and providing habitats for various species.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goal- Reliance Industries Limited's collaboration with Grow Billion Trees enhances collective action for sustainability, uniting employees, communities, and environmental stakeholders for a greener future.

ESG Achieved through Community Forest:

• Environmental Impact: Reliance Industries Limited’s community forest initiative makes a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability. By planting a diverse mix of native and beneficial tree species, the company enhances local biodiversity, supports pollinators and wildlife, and revitalizes community ecosystems. These trees act as natural carbon sinks, helping to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels and mitigate climate change. Additionally, the plantations improve climate resilience by enhancing groundwater recharge, moderating local temperatures, improving air quality, and restoring degraded lands. This grassroots approach promotes long-term ecological balance and contributes to a healthier environment for future generations.

• Social Impact: Reliance Industries Limited’s community forest initiative strengthens social responsibility and fosters collective well-being by engaging local communities, including schools, panchayats, and village residents, in environmental stewardship. Through collaborative tree planting and awareness-building activities, the initiative nurtures a shared sense of ownership and a deeper connection to nature. The creation of green spaces encourages community interaction, outdoor activity, and improves overall health and well-being. It also supports livelihoods by creating green jobs and involving the local workforce in sapling plantation and care. This inclusive initiative ensures that underserved communities benefit from cleaner, greener environments, helping build a more equitable and environmentally conscious society.

• Governance Impact: Reliance Industries Limited demonstrates robust environmental governance and sustainability leadership through its community forest initiative. By embedding ecological goals into its broader sustainability framework, the company emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and long-term planning in every phase from site selection to species diversification and post-plantation care. In collaboration with environmental organizations, schools, and local governing bodies, Reliance ensures that its afforestation efforts are people-centric and purpose-driven. This responsible governance model reflects the company’s commitment to ethical practices, community engagement, and sustainable development, reinforcing its vision for a greener and more resilient India.

Building Communities

One of the most impactful outcomes of Reliance Industries Limited's community forest initiative was the sense of unity and collaboration it cultivated. By involving employees, local communities, and volunteers, the project became a collective mission to create sustainable urban green spaces, fostering a shared commitment to a greener future.

• Empowering Communities: Participants became active contributors, gaining knowledge about community forest practices and taking ownership of the initiative. This empowerment strengthened their connection to the environment and reinforced their role as environmental stewards.

• Fostering Partnerships: The project brought together diverse stakeholders, including Reliance Industries Limited, Grow Billion Trees, and local communities, highlighting the value of collaboration in achieving environmental and social goals.

• Creating a Ripple Effect: As communities experienced the benefits of the community forest, their enthusiasm inspired others to adopt similar practices, amplifying the initiative's positive impact across the region.

This initiative demonstrates that environmental sustainability thrives when rooted in collective effort. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, collaboration, and a shared vision for a healthier and greener future.

Commitment by Grow Billion Trees