Overview 

Roots Across India was a landmark afforestation initiative led by Tapas Foundation in partnership with Bajaj Finserv. This large-scale environmental campaign resulted in the successful plantation of over 2,00,000 saplings across more than 50 cities in 23 Indian states and union territories. 

The initiative was designed not just as a plantation drive but as a nationwide movement to address urgent ecological challenges like deforestation, climate change, and urban pollution. With a dual objective of environmental restoration and public engagement, Roots Across India set out to spark awareness, dialogue, and collective action for a greener, more sustainable future. 

Objectives 

The core goals of the project were: 

– Combat deforestation and urban air pollution 

– Promote climate resilience and biodiversity 

– Engage communities in environmental awareness 

– Empower farmers through sustainable agroforestry 

– Involve public institutions like schools and hospitals 

– Transform urban and rural spaces into green zones 

Implementation Strategy 

Roots Across India was executed through a structured, multi-phase approach: 

1. Site Selection: Plantation sites were chosen based on environmental and social significance. These included: 

– Farmlands of willing farmers 

– Urban parks 

– School and college campuses

– Industrial zones 

– Riverbanks 

– Degraded forest lands 

2. Community Awareness Sessions: Conducted in schools, hospitals, and local communities, these sessions focused on: 

– The importance of afforestation 

– Climate change mitigation 

– Biodiversity conservation 

3. Plantation Drives: Over 2,00,000 saplings were planted across India, including: – Native trees 

– Fruit-bearing plants 

– Climate-resilient species 

4. Post-Plantation Care: Local communities were actively involved in: 

– Monitoring sapling health 

– Ensuring long-term growth and survival 

Agroforestry for Resilient Ecosystems 

One of the most powerful aspects of Roots Across India was its focus on agroforestry—a sustainable land-use practice that merges agriculture with tree cultivation. 

Key highlights of this effort: 

– Worked directly with farmers to plant fruit-bearing, medicinal, and soil-enriching trees – Enhanced soil health, biodiversity, and ecological stability 

– Created alternate income sources for farmers 

– Supported with: 

– Provision of saplings 

– Technical guidance 

– On-ground assistance 

This integration of conservation and livelihood not only strengthened climate resilience but also transformed afforestation into a tool for empowerment and rural development. 

Reach and Coverage 

Roots Across India covered a vast geographic and demographic range: 

– Urban, rural, and ecologically sensitive zones 

– Northern states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu

– Western states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra 

– Eastern & Central states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha 

– Southern states: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Puducherry – Northeast: Assam 

Highlights 

Coverage 52 Cities, 23 States/UTs 

Community-Led Environmental Action 

What made Roots Across India special was its collective spirit. People from all walks of life—corporate employees, students, farmers, environmentalists, and local volunteers—participated in the initiative. Public institutions and local organisations played a key role in raising awareness and mobilising action, ensuring that the green movement was community-driven and inclusive. 

Long-Term Vision 

Though this chapter of Roots Across India has concluded, its impact continues to grow: – Saplings are contributing to carbon sequestration, air purification, soil conservation, and biodiversity revival

– Regions are witnessing a rise in community-led environmental action 

– The initiative has helped seed a more ecologically conscious public mindset 

Tapas Foundation remains committed to: 

– Nurturing planted trees 

– Expanding afforestation projects 

– Strengthening environmental awareness 

– Supporting rural and urban communities in building sustainable, climate-resilient ecosystems 

Roots Across India was not the end—it was just the beginning of a greener tomorrow. Through deep collaboration and sustained effort, we are working to ensure that every sapling grows into a symbol of resilience, life, and hope.