Cement, Energy & Environment

Tree plantations have the potential to improve biodiversity, when compared with some other commercial land uses. Planted native tree species in particular provide habitat for native wildlife, including natural predators of pests and diseases. Plantations also protect livestock, crops and soils from wind. Plantations deliver significant economic and community benefits as well as positive environmental outcomes. Through its lifetime, plantation creates regi onal employment, contributes to the local economy and provides effective soil management, water balance and carbon sequestration. Plantations have a role to play in recycling carbon in the environment. As plantation trees grow they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Typica lly, 20 mature plantation trees can absorb about 1 tonne of carbon dioxide each year. A future carbon accounting framework and other emission trading schemes have the potential to generate commercial opportunities for plantations as carbon sinks. As trees are planted and harvested in rotation, the multi-aged timber stands will continue to capture carbon and be traded to offset industry emissions. Carbon is stored in harvested timber and other wood products for a considerable period of time. " Urban Forest" at OCL India limited OCL India Ltd is located very close to Rajgangpur town. Over the years the town has grown around making it an urban plant. As such, plantation (Urban Forest) has been accepted as part of our growth. As of now, 36.0% of OCL's area is already green-covered and the drive continues. This is irrespective of the 33.0 % norm fixed by CPCB/ MoEF. Cumulative figures of plantation are given below. TREE PLANTATION DETAILS PLAKrATlON DETAILS 200000 180000 16 0000 (/) 140000 w w 120000 Ill!:: I- 100000 u... 0 0 80000 :z 60000 40000 20000 0 "'# ~ .p ~- r::::,~ v ~~ 'V ~ ~~ Besides plantation in our own area , plantation is carried out on an ongoing basis in public and private land in villages surrounding Rajgangpur town such as in schools, hospitals, community centre, village club houses etc. Under a project Brukhya Mela, fruit bearing saplings are distributed free of cost to villagers for planting in their own land. Details of such activities are given below. • "BANAMAHOTSAV" is observed every year and around 2500 trees are planted YEAR in peripheral areas of Rajgangpur town. Awareness programs are conducted every year in schools to educate children about benefits of planting trees and its impact on environmental protection . Ladies of the locality are also associated in this project. • " BRUKHYA MELA" is organized every year in peripheral villages where fruit bearing trees are distributed free of cost to the villagers for planting in their land. 1500 to 1700 saplings are distributed each year. 4 • ,