Green Revival: Cosmo First to Plant Trees in Maharashtra's Largest Biodiversity Hub

Cosmo Foundation, the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First joined hands with the Indian Army, to create one of the biggest biodiversity hub of Maharashtra by planting 40,000 high-density native saplings at Tisgaon Phata, Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar on Saturday, 19^th August 2023. This initiative towards Environment Sustainability by Cosmo could fortify Aurangabad’s ecological vitality.  The drive was held in the august presence of Chief Guest Shri Bhagwat Karad, Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Government of India.

Brig. K S Narayanan, 97 Artillery Brigade and Smt. Shaina NC, BJP Spokesperson of Maharashtra, graced the occasion as Guests of Honor. Distinguished dignitaries, include Shri Atul Save, Cabinet Minister (Maharashtra Assembly & MLA-Aurangabad East), Major Upamanyu Malik, GSO-2, HQ-97 Arty Brigade, Shri Astik Kumar Pandey (District Collector & Magistrate), Shri Madhukar Raje Ardad (Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad), Shri Sanjay Shirsath, MLA – Aurangabad West, Shri Shilwant Nandedkar, DCP Zone-II, Smt. Yamini Jaipuria, Managing Trustee – Cosmo Foundation & Mr.Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO Cosmo First Limited were also part of this significant event.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Cosmo First, said “As individuals, we should start realising the effect of global warming and climate change. The recent weather catastrophes serve as an example and a signal to start preserving our environment as it is for our own benefit. According to research, planting nearly half a trillion trees may absorb around 205 gigatonnes of carbon, thereby lowering atmospheric carbon by 25%. We at Cosmo, have been developing and maintaining public gardens, organizing tree plantations with govt schools, and various programs to create sensitivity and actions for creating green cover. We look forward to planting 150,000 in the next two years. Reducing carbon footprint is one of our key themes toward sustainable practices and the plantation drive adds to our continued efforts in bringing this change.”

Aurangabad stands to be the fifth-most populated district in Maharashtra with the rising penetration of industries in the area. The recent adverse weather conditions are a result of these rising populations and industries accompanied by the degradation of green fields. Hence, it is important to ensure greener spaces, as this will help us address the challenges while also increasing access to clean air quality for the people of Aurangabad.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Government of India., “As we witness records being broken with July projected as the warmest month in history, this increases the urgency to preserve our environment. I believe in the power of small investments which, over time, yield a compounding positive influence on the environment. This drive is not just about planting saplings; it's about planting hope, resilience, and a sustainable future.”

Cosmo Foundation has undertaken various environmental initiatives under its Clean & Green program. Under the “Go Green Initiative,” the foundation has planted an impressive 65,000 trees across India, demonstrating dedication to a greener future. Remarkably, the foundation’s initiatives have empowered communities in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi with clean water access, touching the lives of over 600,000 individuals. These efforts reflect Cosmo Foundation’s resolute mission to catalyse positive change in education, health, and the environment, leaving a lasting imprint on countless lives.

Cosmo Foundation, partnered with Prayas Youth Foundation – for implementing Cosmo Tree Plantation drive at all locations with technical inputs, monitoring & maintenance.

The event was attended by employees of Cosmo First Delhi, Waluj, and Shendra, farmers covered under Cosmo Tree Plantation Drive, and rural girls covered under Cosmo Udayan Shalini Fellowship Program.  Organisations like INTACH, USF, well-wishers, and supporters of Cosmo First and Cosmo Foundation joined the event.