Van Mahotsav 2024 Celebrated At RINL

Van Mahotsav is celebrated during first week of July every year to highlight the importance of trees and forests in preserving ecological harmony and ensuring ecological integrity, the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India launched the program in the year 1950. Since then, it is being celebrated in the whole country by participating in tree plantation by Govt. organizations and the general public.

In line with the above, RINL is also taking active participation every year to celebrate the Van Mahotsav and planting saplings in various locations of the VSP area during the month.

This year 2024, as a part of Van Mahotsav, Agro-forestry wing of town administration department of Visakhapatnam steel plant has planned to complete the plantation of 2,000 saplings in this week (1-7th July, 2024) with Teak species.

As part of the Van Mahotsav celebrations with the campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam (One plant in mother’s name)”, Shri GVN Prasad, Director (Commercial) RINL planted sapling near Town Administration Building, Ukkunagaram, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri GVN Prasad said that RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, has made a significant contribution to reducing its carbon footprint by undertaking extensive tree plantation efforts of 55.38 Lakh saplings so far over several decades.

“Despite being a steel manufacturing unit, which is typically energy-intensive and carbon-emitting, RINL has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability since its inception, RINL by planting millions of trees in and around Visakhapatnam steel plant, covering hundreds of acres of land which not only helped in reducing the carbon emissions from its operations but also contributed to the overall greening of the region”, Shri GVN Prasad added.

Shri GVN Prasad lauded the untiring efforts of the agro forestry wing of town administration department for their constant efforts in developing greenery in and around Visakhapatnam steel plant.

Shri G Gandhi, CGM (HR), GM (Town administration & contracts) and HOD, GM(Corporate Communications)-I/c and HOD, RINL several senior officials of Agro forestry department and Town administration also actively participated in the Van Mahotsav program and planted saplings.

The objective of Van Mahotsav is to promote environmental protection, increasing the green cover, Encouraging participation, Promoting sustainable practices and raise awareness of the value of trees and forests in preventing climate change. The celebration has developed into a prominent annual occasion and contributed significantly to increase green cover.

The extensive tree plantation initiative at RINL has also resulted in sequestration of significant amounts of carbon dioxide, production of oxygen, improving air quality, providing habitat for local wildlife, prevention of soil erosion and landslides and supporting local biodiversity

RINL’s efforts have set an inspiring example for other industries to follow, demonstrating that even the most energy-intensive sectors can take proactive steps towards reducing their environmental impact. The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant’s commitment to sustainability serves as a model for responsible industrial growth, showcasing the possibility of harmonious coexistence between industry and nature.