Environment friendly initiatives make the new pockets of the City of Joy greener. Public Relations Society of India Green For Life and I am Kolkata initiated the first urban forest within the Green Zone in the New Town area of Rajarhat. I am Kolkata is a social development enterprise of Merlin Group.
Purpose Of Green Zone In Rajarhat
The Green Zone was inaugurated on Saturday by Debashis Sen, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of West Bengal and Chairman, West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation. The plot of land belongs to WBHIDCO.
“Our environment is under severe threat of rapid degradation and pollution. No effort should be spared to offer hope of a better life for our children and subsequent generations which will carry the burden of this threat. The endeavour to undertake large scale tree planting in a sustainable manner will aid carbon sequestering and clean the air.” Said Debasish Sen.
“The government of West Bengal is aware of the environmental hazards of pollution and is willing to offer all help to such endeavours. Every resident should engage in organic farming on their rooftop gardens, thus paving the way for more greenery.” Added Debasish Sen.
CSR Initiatives
I am Kolkata, a social development enterprise and a CSR arm of Merlin Group has come forward to support the initiative. I am Kolkata in association with Public Relations Society of India, Kolkata Chapter is also undertaking sapling planting in the Green Zone.
“As a social development enterprise, I am deeply concerned about the growing threat to environment and have specially set up ‘I am Kolkata’ to address such issues. Our vision is to contribute to the holistic development of the community at large.” Said Saket Mohta, founder of I am Kolkata.
I am Kolkata hopes to paint a larger picture of tree plantation alongside housing projects and projects on segregation of waste material and recycling of those waste materials. These initiatives help to clean the city and improve sanitary conditions of people living in slums and spread awareness through education about air pollution and cleanliness for overall protection of the environment. Small steps ensure better living conditions for the people.
Several Corporations, civil society groups and concerned individuals have come up to support activities of Green for Life and till date over 8,500 evergreen saplings have already been planted.
“The most important thing is for us to be aware of the benefits of leading a green way of life. This would automatically take care of the environment. The effort has to come from one and all.” Said Val Xaviers, trustee, Green for Life Foundation. He also stressed the need for expansion and asked the State Government to make available more land towards the cause of tree planting.
