Transforming Wastelands into Green Corridors

Our afforestation initiatives aim to convert non-forest wastelands near operational sites into ecologically rich community resources, balancing environmental concerns with community development aspirations. Barren lands in India often become dump yards, leading to soil erosion, fertility degradation, groundwater depletion, and biodiversity loss. The program innovatively reuses waste materials for wasteland transformation. In Gurgaon, Sembcorp partnered with the NGO "I am Gurgaon," transforming 5 km of abandoned urban wasteland into a green community resource. Sembcorp supported a 100-meter stretch in FY 2020-2021 and will continue future developments. Discarded bricks, concrete debris, broken tiles, and old metal tree guards were repurposed into a beautiful community area. Rainwater collection pits, water pathways, and recharge arrangements were added, and local, water-efficient trees and shrubs were densely planted. The transformed area attracts local birds and communities, and municipal corporations have fenced the area for security and safety. In Bhuj, Gujarat, and Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, barren lands were transformed into dense green spaces through urban afforestation. In Bhuj, 4,000 native trees were planted over 5 hectares of urban land in partnership with the Kutch Forest Department, and in Tuticorin, 2,000 native trees were planted through an NGO. The plantations will be maintained for three years to ensure sustainable growth and local ecology restoration. These green spaces improve air quality, reduce stress and anxiety, positively impact micro-climates, and enhance the overall quality of life. They also provide habitats for urban wildlife, promote community interaction, and facilitate soil and water conservation. The scalable and sustainable program will extend to various locations in India, aligning with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and contributing to India's SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) targets.