INTRODUCTION

Roots Across India is an afforestation initiative led by Tapas Foundation in collaboration with Bajaj Finance, designed to address deforestation, climate change, and urban pollution whilefostering a culture of environmental responsibility. During this phase, the initiative successfullyplanted 2,00,000 trees across 52 cities in 12 states, reaching 3,50,000 people nationwide.

Conceived as a movement rather than a standalone plantation drive, Roots Across India combined large-scale afforestation with community engagement, awareness-building, and livelihood generation. The initiative reached 3,000+ employees, engaged 450+ volunteers, and generated 5,000+ employment opportunities, ensuring that

environmental action translated into social and economic value. 27,000 saplings were planted in schools, hospitals, parks, ashrams, community grounds, playgrounds, and public places, transforming everyday environments into greener, healthier, and more inclusive spaces.

AGROFORESTRY: CULTIVATING GREEN LIVELIHOODS

Agroforestry was a cornerstone of the Roots Across India initiative, with 1,70,000 trees plantedin collaboration with 250+ farmers across multiple regions. By integrating trees with sustainable agricultural practices, the program enhanced soil health, water retention, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Plantations focused on a mix of fruit-bearing and livelihood-supporting species, including:Mango, Guava, Lemon, Jamun, Aamla, Jackfruit, and Kinnu. And timber and native species to support ecological balance and long-term sustainability: Mahogany, Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vengai, Neem, and Arjun.

Planting in farmlands encouraged diversified land use, helping farmers secure

additional income while contributing to long-term ecological stability. Employment generatedthrough plantation and maintenance activities further strengthened local livelihoods.

This approach demonstrates a scalable model where environmental restoration and economic development reinforce each other, creating resilient agro-ecosystems and empowered communities.

MANGROVES: GUARDIANS OF THE COASTLINE

Recognising the vital role of mangroves in climate adaptation and coastal protection, Roots Across India planted 20,000 mangrove saplings in Kalpakkam (13,000) and Chengalpattu (7,000), key coastal areas requiring ecological restoration.

Mangroves serve as natural buffers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels, while acting as critical carbon sinks and supporting biodiversity hotspots. The species planted included: Avicennia marina and Rhizophora.

Through these targeted plantations, the initiative strengthened coastal resilience, protected localecosystems, and promoted community awareness about the importance of preserving mangroveforests. This effort complements inland afforestation, creating a holistic approach to environmental conservation that spans both terrestrial and coastal landscapes.

OUR REACH

The project covered diverse landscapes, reaching urban, rural, and ecologically sensitive regions across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala,Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh

OUR IMPACT

It aligns with SDGs such as Climate Action (Goal 13), Life on Land (Goal 15), and SustainableCities and Communities (Goal 11), making a tangible contribution to global sustainability efforts, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Environmental Impact

Community & Social Impact

Livelihood & Economic Impact

Institutional Engagement

Plantation activities were carried out across a wide range of public and institutional spaces, including:

These interventions transformed everyday spaces into healthier, greener environments while fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.

WAY FORWARD

As this phase of Roots Across India concludes, the initiative stands as a scalable and inclusivemodel of environmental action—one that integrates afforestation, agroforestry, and coastal ecosystem restoration with community participation and livelihood generation. The 2,00,000 trees planted represent a long-term investment in ecological resilience, healthier communities, and sustainable development.

Tapas Foundation and Bajaj Finance remain committed to expanding these efforts, deepeningstakeholder engagement, and strengthening ecosystems that will continue to thrive for generations to come.