19th June 2025
60000 Trees to be Planted Jointly by Vedanta IOK Sirigere Mutt
Chitradurga, Karnataka: Strengthening commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK), joined hands with Sirigere Mutt to organize a mass plantation drive at the Sirigere Mutt premises, Chitradurga. The initiative aims to plant 60000 trees in the Mutt premises by the end of March 2026. In the initial effort 5000 saplings were planted, which also witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 500 Vedanta IOK employees, workmen, business partners, and local community members, including students from B.L.R. P.U. College, Sirigere.
Organised to further the efforts to commemorate ‘World Environment Day’ & as part of Vedanta IOK’s ongoing #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, the event saw the successful plantation of over 5,000 fruit-bearing saplings, including Jamun, Jackfruit, Guava, Custard apple, Mango & Coconut, transforming the landscape into a budding green zone. The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
The event was graced by Mr Vamadevappa, Administrative Officer, Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath, Sirigere, Shri G. R. Onkarappa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sirigere Mutt, Mr C. R. Nagaraj, Agriculture Committee Member, Sirigere, Mr Manjunath, President, Agricultural Committee, Mr Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka, Mr P. Narayan, Head – Corporate Affairs, Vedanta IOK, along with the students of B.L.R. P.U. College, Sirigere. Around 500 people participated in the event.
Marking the occasion, Mr Vamadevappa, Administrative Officer, Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath, Sirigere, said, “Every year, July 1st to 7th is celebrated as ‘Van Mahotsav.’ This was initiated by the then Minister of Agriculture, K.M. Munshi in 1950. During the time of independence, 33% of India was forest region. Today, it has come down to just 18 percent. By reforestation of the diminished forests, we can contribute the increasing the forest cover. Each of us can contribute to afforestation by growing few trees near our homes. This also helps maintain the ecological balance. According to scientists, a single plant that stays alive can release oxygen worth 70 to 80 lakh rupees into nature, during its lifetime. Therefore, everyone should play a part in planting trees and enhancing the forest cover”
Addressing the audience, and demonstrating commitment toward environmental sustainability, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka said, “This plantation drive is a testament to our belief that sustainability is a shared responsibility. We are proud to collaborate with Sirigere Mutt and the local community to create a greener tomorrow. Every sapling planted today is a step towards a more sustainable future. We are aiming to plant 10,000 saplings by the end of June 2025 & 60,000 saplings by the end of the current financial year. Together with our stakeholders, we are contributing towards #TransformingPlanet, one sapling at a time.”
Aligned with the World Environment Day theme- ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, Vedanta IOK has been certified as a ‘Single-Use Plastic Free Operation’ mining site, thus becoming one of the first mining operation sites in India to achieve this milestone.
Under the #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, Vedanta Sesa Goa has conducted plantation drives in Chitradurga city, in association with the City Corporation, Chitradurga & the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), arecanut plantation drive in Megalahalli, Environment awareness sessions for the beneficiaries of the Mobile Health Unit (MHU), and the students of Sri. Anjaneya Swamy High School, drawing, essay writing & waste-to-wealth competitions were held for school students, and employees, workmen, business partners along with community members were engaged through the distribution of customised environment collaterals, sparking meaningful conversations and encouraging everyone to play their part towards a plastic-free world.
With this successful drive, Vedanta IOK continues to lead by example in integrating environmental consciousness into its core operations and community outreach. Vedanta Sesa Goa remains steadfast in its mission to #TransformingPlanet, ensuring that every initiative contributes meaningfully to a greener, more resilient ecosystem.