Leading logistics service provider, Blue Dart, has planted over one lakh trees at the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary near Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, in partnership with its tree plantation partner, GrowTrees.com.
The logistics company said that the initiative was a part of its drive which will improve elephant habitats considerably and offset over 20 lakh kg of carbon per year on maturity. “The initiative is a part of the organization’s sustainability roadmap that acts as a detailed guide in aiding the organization’s goals to give back to the communities and the environment it operates in. The roadmap details three crucial elements – clean operations for climate protection (environment), being a great company to work for all (social) as well as being a highly trusted company (governance),” stated a press release from the company.
The express logistics provider also boosts keen animal and environment enthusiasts, as a part of its team in Jharkhand, all of whom have contributed by planting saplings in the area between August 7-12. The saplings planted include local tree species such as tendu, jackfruit, bamboo, mango, shisham, jamun, karanj, and guava.
The Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, located in East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan districts of Jharkhand, is known for being habitat of elephants. With an undulating terrain that includes high hillocks, plateaus, deep valleys and open fields between hillocks, this sanctuary is known to be a paradise for elephants and provides a diverse habitat for flora and fauna. Situated in the catchment area of the river Subarnarekha, the sanctuary stretches over an area of 195 sq. km providing ample space for the elephants to peacefully coexist without any interference from human settlers.
An environment and animal enthusiast himself, Ketan Kulkarni, CMO & head – business development at Blue Dart, said: “Blue Dart has always been an organization that takes every necessary step in ‘connecting people, improving lives’. World Elephant Day (August 12) brings into focus the African & Asian Elephants who we need to protect from poaching, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Keeping this in mind, we wanted to ensure that our tree plantations can contribute towards securing a future for this wondrous species by reducing human-elephant conflict, keeping elephants from entering and feeding on cropland, and approaching residential areas around forests in search of food.”
Bikrant Tiwary, CEO of Grow-Trees.com said: “By conserving natural habitats and restoring forests, we help protect elephants, support local communities, and ensure natural resources are available for generations to come. The plantation of trees will keep the elephants and other wildlife out of human settlements and help them migrate smoothly by connecting protected areas. This will enable a safer coexistence of animals and humans. The trees will help with richer food sources and breeding landscapes for wildlife, strengthening their population. Furthermore, the increased vegetation in the region will help in controlling soil erosion, improving moisture conservation, enhancing the water table, and contributing towards the prevention of severe drought and flood conditions and forest fires. We thank Blue Dart Express for their generous support.”
