KKR Runs to Roots Initiative: A Run Today, A Tree Tomorrow

At Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), sustainability is more than a responsibility; it’s a shared passion, deeply inspired by our co-owner, Ms. Juhi Chawla Read more

× Large View

Project Update 4

Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image

Project Update 3

Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image

Project Update 2

Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image

Project Update 1

Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image

Digital Forest

Forest with 1,000 Trees planned

Want to plant your tree now?

Plant a Tree @ 299

Trees Planted

African Mahogany Tree

African Mahogany Tree
Amla Tree

Amla Tree
Ashoka Tree

Ashoka Tree
Big Leaf Mahogany Tree

Big Leaf Mahogany Tree
Bottle Brush Tree

Bottle Brush Tree
Congo Mahogany Tree

Congo Mahogany Tree
Cuban Mahogany Tree

Cuban Mahogany Tree
False Mahogany Tree

False Mahogany Tree
Golden Bottle Brush Tree

Golden Bottle Brush Tree
Harsingar Tree

Harsingar Tree
Indian Mahogany Tree

Indian Mahogany Tree
Jamun Tree

Jamun Tree

KKR Runs to Roots Initiative: A Run Today, A Tree Tomorrow

At Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), sustainability is more than a responsibility; it’s a shared passion, deeply inspired by our co-owner, Ms. Juhi Chawla Mehta, whose unwavering dedication to environmental causes fuels our vision. Harnessing the unifying power of cricket, we have launched our flagship green initiative, “Runs to Roots.”

Under this program, KKR has pledged to plant a tree for every run scored by the team. These trees will be rooted across Kolkata and Howrah, gradually transforming the cityscape into vibrant urban forests that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide shade and ecological balance in densely populated areas.

But this initiative is more than just about planting trees. It is about fighting climate change, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring healthier cities for generations to come. Every tree nurtured is a symbol of resilience and hope, turning each run scored on the field into a living legacy for the planet.

With “Runs to Roots,” we believe that every run counts, and now, every run lives on as a tree rooted in the promise of a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow.

 

Project Planning & Execution

No. of Trees: 1,000 Trees

Plantation Location: 4, Rabindranath Tagore Rd, Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700056

Plantation Date: January 10, 2026

Name of Species: Dillenia indica, Harsingar, Cassia fistula, Sagwan/Teak, Peltophorum, Delonix regia, Mahogany, Mimusops elengi, Areca nut, Tabebuia, Mango, Spathodea, Bottle Brush, Ashoka, Sissoo, Hibiscus, Champa, Terminalia catappa, Arjun, Kadamba, Lagerstroemia, Chikoo, Jamun, Amla, Bel, Guava

Species Selection & Its Benefits: 

The species selected for the plantation initiative were carefully chosen to align with the local ecosystem and maximize ecological benefits. The selected species—Dillenia indica, Harsingar, Cassia fistula, Sagwan/Teak, Peltophorum, Delonix regia, Mahogany, Mimusops elengi, Areca Nut, Tabebuia, Mango, Spathodea, Bottle Brush, Ashoka, Sissoo, Hibiscus, Champa, Terminalia catappa, Arjun, Kadamba, Lagerstroemia, Chikoo, Jamun, Amla, Bel, and Guava—offer a blend of environmental, socio-economic, and cultural advantages.

Guava, Mango, Chikoo, Jamun, Amla, and Bel are fruit-bearing species that provide nutritional and economic value while attracting pollinators and supporting urban biodiversity. Mahogany, Sagwan(Teak), and Sissoo are valuable timber species that aid in carbon sequestration, provide long-term shade, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Cassia fistula, Peltophorum, Delonix regia, Tabebuia, Lagerstroemia, Spathodea, and Bottle Brush add vibrant floral beauty to urban landscapes while supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Arjun and Terminalia catappa enhance soil stability, support water conservation, and offer medicinal benefits. Ashoka, Kadamba, Champa, and Mimusops elengi carry cultural and ecological significance, often enhancing green spaces with dense canopies and fragrant blooms. Areca Nut contributes to local livelihoods and supports tropical biodiversity, while Hibiscus plays an important role in traditional medicine and ornamental landscaping.

The species were chosen not only for their environmental benefits—such as improving air quality, preventing soil erosion, enhancing water retention, and mitigating the urban heat island effect—but also for their ability to provide shade, food sources, medicinal value, aesthetic appeal, and long-term ecological stability, ensuring the plantation delivers lasting socio-economic and environmental impact.

Beneficiaries Details

  • Target Population: Team members, stakeholders, and local community members of Kolkata/Howrah

  • 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

Urban Forest: An urban forest is a network of trees, shrubs, and vegetation strategically planted in urban areas to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide green spaces for community well-being. It helps mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, promotes mental health through accessible green areas, and supports local wildlife by creating habitats. Urban forests play a crucial role in creating resilient, sustainable cities that benefit both the environment and the people who inhabit them.

Advantages of Urban Forest

  • Climate Regulation and Cooling Effect: Urban forests help mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling through transpiration, lowering temperatures in cities, reducing the need for air conditioning, and conserving energy.

  • Improved Air Quality: Trees absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, leading to improved air quality and a reduced risk of respiratory illnesses in urban areas.

  • Stormwater Management and Flood Prevention: Urban forests improve the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, reducing stormwater runoff, preventing flooding, and promoting groundwater recharge, thus helping manage water resources efficiently.

  • Soil Erosion Control: The deep root systems of trees prevent soil erosion, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or steep slopes, stabilizing the land and reducing soil loss in urban environments.

  • Aesthetic and Recreational Value: The transformation of unused spaces into green zones adds aesthetic value to the area and provides team members and local communities with recreational spaces, making the workplace more enjoyable.

  • Enhanced Community Engagement and Well-being: Urban forests provide accessible green spaces where communities can engage in recreational activities, improving mental health, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among residents and team members.

  • Increased Property Value: Properties located near urban forests or green spaces tend to have higher market values, benefiting local property owners and increasing the overall appeal and livability of the area.

  • Noise Reduction: Urban forests act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution and creating quieter, more peaceful surroundings.


Activities During Tree Plantation

The tree plantation drive organised by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Dakshineswar, Rabindranath Tagore Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700056, was a vibrant and impactful event that brought together team members, enthusiastic KKR fans, volunteers, and community participants in the shared spirit of environmental sustainability. KKR supporters joined the drive with great excitement, actively participating in planting saplings and expressing pride in contributing to a greener city alongside their favourite franchise. The initiative reflected KKR’s strong commitment to ecological restoration, urban greening, and community engagement, aligning with the franchise’s broader vision of driving positive social and environmental change beyond the cricket field.

The plantation site was prepared in advance with nutrient-rich soil and well-dug pits to ensure healthy tree growth and optimal survival rates. During the event, participants planted native and fruit-bearing species, carefully chosen to enhance local biodiversity, improve air quality, and strengthen the region’s green cover.

Team members, KKR fans, and volunteers actively engaged in hands-on plantation activities—digging pits, planting saplings, and watering the trees—turning the drive into a lively, inclusive, and meaningful experience rooted in sustainability. The enthusiastic involvement of fans added energy to the event while reinforcing the message that environmental action is a collective responsibility.

The plantation concluded with a reflection and group interaction, where participants shared their experiences, clicked photos, and celebrated their contribution to a greener Kolkata. This initiative underscored Kolkata Knight Riders’ commitment to building resilient urban ecosystems, promoting climate action, and inspiring community-driven environmental stewardship—proving that KKR’s legacy extends far beyond cricket, nurturing both the game and the planet.

 

Conclusion Elements

Direct Impact

Parameters

Values

References

No. of Trees Planted

1,000

Green Cover (Acres)

0.24

Carbon Sequestration Potential (KG)

20

Small to medium-sized trees can sequester around 10–48 kilograms (22–106 pounds) of CO₂ annually.


https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/how-much-co2-does-tree-absorb

Carbon Sequestration by 1,000 mature trees (tonnes/year)

20

No. of Trees x Carbon Sequestration by 1 mature trees per year

Carbon Credit Equivalent

20

One carbon credit is equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas.

Carbon Footprint of an avg Indian Citizen (tonnes/Year)

1.8

https://www.iea.org/countries/india/emissions

Offsets Annual Carbon Footprint of (Adults)

11

Carbon offset by 1,000 mature trees per year / Carbon Footprint of an avg Indian Citizen per year

*This impact analysis is forward-looking (An urban-forest project matures in 3-5 years)

Indirect Impact

Community Impact

  • Improved Public Health: By improving air quality and reducing urban heat, the project indirectly contributes to better public health. The presence of green spaces encourages outdoor activities, which can reduce stress levels, promote mental well-being, and decrease the incidence of respiratory diseases.

  • Environmental Awareness: Involving communities in urban forestry raises awareness about environmental conservation and promotes sustainable practices in daily life.

  • Teams' Morale: The initiative fostered a sense of pride and connection among team members, strengthening team bonds and their alignment with the company’s values.

  • Inspiration for Change: By showcasing the potential of urban forestry, the project has encouraged other organizations and local communities to undertake similar initiatives.

  • Cultural Shift: The initiative instilled a mindset of sustainability and environmental care among participants, creating advocates for green practices in their personal and professional lives.

Environmental Impact

  • Carbon Sequestration: The trees planted through Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s urban forestry initiative absorb carbon dioxide, acting as carbon sinks and helping mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Soil Health Improvement: The tree planting initiative enhances soil health by enriching it with organic matter, improving soil fertility and structure, which supports the growth of surrounding vegetation.

  • Erosion Prevention: Tree roots help stabilize the soil in urban areas, preventing erosion caused by wind and water, while safeguarding nearby properties and infrastructure from potential damage.

  • Biodiversity Conservation: By creating green spaces, the initiative supports local biodiversity, providing habitats for various species, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and enhancing the ecological balance in urban areas.

  • Water Cycle Regulation: The urban forestry project helps regulate the water cycle by improving water retention in the soil, recharging groundwater levels, and reducing surface runoff, leading to a more balanced and sustainable urban environment.

  • Microclimate Regulation: Trees planted through this initiative moderate temperature extremes, reduce wind speeds, and increase humidity, creating a favorable microclimate for both the community and the urban ecosystem.

 

Achievements

SDG Goals Achieved through Urban Forestry

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s urban forestry initiative improves air quality and introduces green spaces that support physical and mental well-being. These natural environments help reduce stress, encourage outdoor activity, and foster healthier lifestyles in urban settings.

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Through tree planting, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) promotes water conservation by aiding groundwater recharge, reducing runoff, and enhancing soil moisture retention, contributing to sustainable urban water systems.

  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: By reducing the urban heat island effect, the plantation helps moderate city temperatures and decrease dependence on energy-intensive cooling systems, thus promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The initiative creates green jobs in nursery management, plantation, and ecosystem maintenance, supporting local livelihoods and advancing the green economy.

  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) incorporates sustainable green practices into urban infrastructure, showcasing innovative approaches that integrate technology with environmental resilience.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The initiative is inclusive, involving members from all backgrounds in environmental action. By developing accessible green zones, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ensures shared environmental and health benefits across communities.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By increasing green cover and enhancing biodiversity in dense urban areas, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) contributes to building sustainable, resilient, and livable cities.

  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s eco-initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable practices, emphasising efficient use of resources and long-term ecological responsibility.

  • SDG 13: Climate Action: The planted trees help sequester carbon dioxide, reduce emissions, and buffer against climate change impacts, actively supporting global climate goals.

  • SDG 15: Life on Land: By restoring green spaces with native and fruit-bearing trees, the initiative strengthens biodiversity, supports wildlife, and contributes to a thriving urban ecosystem.

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: By fostering inclusive decision-making and community-led governance, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) strengthens local environmental stewardship, ensuring transparency and collaboration for sustainable urban development.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The initiative thrives on collaboration with local communities, environmental organizations, and partners such as Grow Billion Trees. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) strengthens environmental partnerships to drive impactful urban sustainability and afforestation efforts. future.

ESG Achieved through Urban Forest:

  • Environmental Impact: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s purpose-driven tree plantation initiative, “Runs to Roots,” directly contributes to environmental sustainability. For every run scored, a tree is planted, symbolizing a living extension of on-field performance into ecological action. By focusing on urban forests across Kolkata and Howrah, the initiative enhances biodiversity with native species, restores green cover, and provides habitat for pollinators and urban wildlife. Each tree acts as a natural carbon sink, mitigating climate change impacts while reducing air pollution, regulating local temperatures, and improving groundwater recharge. This purposeful plantation reflects KKR’s commitment to creating greener, more climate-resilient cities.

  • Social Impact: The “Runs to Roots” initiative embodies KKR’s belief that cricket can inspire collective action for a sustainable future. By linking every run to a tree, the program actively engages fans, team members, and communities in environmental responsibility. Green spaces created through these plantations not only improve air quality and foster outdoor activity but also promote mental well-being and healthier lifestyles. The initiative generates livelihood opportunities through sapling care and maintenance, while ensuring inclusivity by extending green benefits to underserved neighborhoods. Through this plantation drive, KKR strengthens community ties, encourages environmental awareness, and inspires fans to see themselves as partners in sustainability.

  • Governance Impact: With “Runs to Roots,” KKR demonstrates how sports franchises can lead with transparency, accountability, and environmental responsibility. By embedding plantation goals into its CSR framework, the franchise ensures measurable impact aligned with global sustainability priorities. The initiative reflects responsible governance through strategic collaborations with environmental partners, careful site selection, and transparent reporting of outcomes. Inspired by co-owner Juhi Chawla Mehta’s vision, KKR integrates ethical responsibility into the heart of its brand identity, ensuring that every run scored is also a step toward a sustainable legacy. This governance model highlights KKR’s long-term vision of linking passion for cricket with purpose for the planet.

Building Communities

One of the most impactful outcomes of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s urban forestry initiative was the sense of unity and collaboration it cultivated. By involving the team, 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 urban forestry 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 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), 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 urban forestry, 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

  • Ensuring Tree Survivability: GBT prioritizes native species, continuous monitoring, and soil health improvement using organic fertilizers. These efforts ensure sustainable growth and benefit the farmers and communities.

  • Transparency & Accountability: GBT provides detailed reports on tree growth, survival rates, and carbon benefits, using geo-fencing and regular updates to maintain transparency and effectiveness.

  • Sustainable Plantation Efforts: GBT implements projects that balance environmental, social, and economic goals, addressing issues like urban heat islands and degraded farmlands. These efforts promote ecological balance, livelihoods, and long-term climate resilience.

  • Enhancing Ecosystem Health: By selecting native species and creating diverse habitats, GBT enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, ensuring long-term ecological health and supporting wildlife.

  • Long-Term Impact: GBT’s initiatives tackle environmental challenges, enhance rural livelihoods, foster climate resilience, and promote sustainable development while reducing carbon footprints.

 

Acknowledgment

We at Grow Billion Trees (GBT) extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their remarkable support in making the “Runs to Roots” urban forestry initiative a success across Kolkata and Howrah. This project, which blends environmental sustainability with the power of sport, would not have been possible without KKR’s vision, commitment, and proactive role in linking cricket to climate action. Together, we have planted and nurtured over 1000 trees, laying the foundation for greener cities, healthier communities, and a more sustainable tomorrow.

To Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): We sincerely thank you for your dedication to sustainability and your leadership in driving positive environmental change. Your “Runs to Roots” initiative has significantly contributed to enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and building ecological resilience across urban spaces. The enthusiastic participation of your members reflects KKR’s strong culture of environmental responsibility, teamwork, and community engagement. Through this effort, you have not only created greener landscapes but also inspired thousands of fans to see the game of cricket as a force for good.

To Our Ground Partners and Volunteers: Your hard work, expertise, and passion have been instrumental in bringing KKR’s vision to life. From preparing the sites to nurturing the saplings, your collective efforts have ensured a meaningful impact by strengthening urban ecosystems and fostering community awareness. Your contributions have made this initiative a true example of collaboration and long-term sustainability.

Together with KKR, partners, and supporters, we are proving that every run counts, and every run lives on as a tree. We look forward to continuing this journey of planting hope, resilience, and a greener future for all. 

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.

 

Closing Remarks

We at Grow Billion Trees (GBT) are proud to have partnered with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their inspiring journey toward environmental sustainability through the “Runs to Roots” urban forestry initiative. This project has brought vital green cover to Kolkata and Howrah, while also fostering environmental awareness and active participation from the KKR family. It stands as a shining example of how collective efforts can transform urban spaces into greener, healthier, and more resilient ecosystems.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to scaling such impactful initiatives and encouraging more organizations and communities to embrace sustainability. Together with KKR, we are planting not just trees, but hope, cleaner air, and a better future for all.

Each sapling planted through “Runs to Roots” is a step toward restoring ecological balance and combating climate change. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team prove that when sport and purpose unite, meaningful change takes root.

A heartfelt thank you to KKR, our ground partners, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to this effort. Let’s continue to grow stronger, greener, and more sustainable one run and one tree at a time.

 

 

Trees for Corporates - Achieve Net Zero Targets Through Strategic Tree Planting

1 5

Trending Tree Plantations - Most Popular Environmental Programs

1 5

Want to plant your tree now?

Plant a Tree @ 299

Most Popular Tree Plantations - Top Choices for Environmental Impact

1 5