.jpg)
.jpg)
The visit to the Greenply's sustainable manufacturing facility in Tizit, Nagaland and eco restoration drive site, highlighted how the private sector can play an important role in transforming the fortunes of remote regions of the country and its residents.
As J.K Jain, Vice Presidents, Projects, Greenply Industries Limited elaborates, “With its eco restoration drive, Greenply has created more than a million jobs for the local population. The basic principle is to strike a balance between social, economic and environmental factors. They are part of a triangle - if industries do not take care of society, there will be no raw material or workforce for industries and if industries and people do not take care of environment, there can be no social or economic prosperity.”
Talking about the plantation and eco forestry practiced by the company, he explained, “If we are harvesting X number of plants, we are already maintaining 5X trees. In the cycle of five years, I have to nourish 5 times that is 5 lakh trees, so that when I cut 1 lakh trees in the fifth year, there are at least 3-4 lakh trees still standing tall. We started plantation in Tizit in 2014 and apart from local plants like Eucalyptus, Neem and Khokan trees, we have developed plant species in consultation with Rain Forest Research Institute. We have been doing it in a systematic way since last 10 years. We encourage large-scale plantation of different plant species that are used for the manufacturing of our products. This initiative has enabled us to nurture over 42 million saplings till now and transform more than 60,000 acres of land into thriving forests.“
Greenply is the first in India to have acquired the FSC®-FM Certification, which ensures that its plantations are sourced sustainably. “Greenply focuses on promoting sizable, replenishable plantations with the aim of improving environmental resources and offering additional income to farmers. In Tizit, a nursery propagation center is established to distribute planting materials with superior genetics. Free saplings are distributed among local farmers and they have the ownership of the trees.,” added J.K Jain.
Talking about the CSR initiative of the company along with the sustainability drive J.K Jain said, “The people of this area have traditionally practiced shifting cultivation and are deeply associated with forests for their livelihood. Our plantation drive has ensured that these tribal lands are usable and they are able to earn income through forestry. In addition, Greenply Foundation has undertaken several CSR initiatives centered on healthcare, education and social aid. The company’s doctor, pathological laboratory and the mobile healthcare van caters to the population of 30 villages around the factory, providing access to medical services in the remote areas. “
In all, Green Rise Initiative is a testimony to a successful integration of corporate and social cause for the economic and social growth of the company, region, people and the country.
