Over 2,000 fruit-bearing trees now adorn the landscape of six habitations in the Chandaka Forest Region on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. On July 27, 2024, over 150 enthusiastic community members joined with 34 Wipro Cares volunteers and Gram Vikas representatives for a plantation drive across 12 acres of land.

This initiative, part of the ‘Water Secure Initiative’ supported by Wipro Cares, aims to address water scarcity, enhance local livelihoods, and bolster the region’s environmental resilience. By planting a diverse array of fruit trees – including mango, pomegranate, cashew, jackfruit, and more – the project ensures a sustainable source of nutritious food for the villagers while contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

Partnerships for a greener tomorrow

The plantation drive exemplifies the power of partnership between corporations, NGOs, and local communities. Binoy Mishra, Senior Manager of Administration at Wipro Technologies, reflected on the day’s achievements, “Today’s event of planting over 2,020 fruit-bearing trees across 12 acres is a significant step towards water conservation efforts and increasing the green cover in the area. The Wipro Cares team takes great pride in participating in this event.”

Representatives from the Village Development Committees (VDCs) of five neighbouring villages were also present. Bapi Singh, VDC President of Krushna Nagar Ambapadia, one of the six habitations, expressed his gratitude,  “This tree plantation programme with fruit-bearing trees will benefit our people and increase the green cover around here. We welcome such initiatives carried out by Gram Vikas and Wipro Cares.”

The participating habitations span across Daruthenga, Chudanga and Chandaka Gram Panchayats in the Khurda district. Chandaka Forest Ranger Durga Prasad Sahoo and Daruthenga Sarpanch Tapan Kumar Chakraborty also attended.

Durga Prasad Sahoo emphasised the community’s resilience, “We are aware of the struggles the residents face, living in constant fear of elephants and travelling far for daily wage work. We are always here to support the community. I am thrilled to participate in the tree plantation event today.”

Senior management members from Wipro Technologies, including Manmath Mishra, Anil Mishra, Sushant Senapati, and Pratyush Mohapatra, actively participated in the plantation drive, alongside Sukanta Bhattacharya, Sangita Patra, and Pratap Chandra Panda from Gram Vikas.

Building a sustainable future

In 2022, Gram Vikas collaborated with Wipro Cares to build piped water infrastructure in the village, including an overhead water tank and three water tap connections per household.

Pratap Chandra Panda, Lead for the Wipro Cares project, remarked, “This is our first project in an urban area, covering two Gram Panchayats – Chandaka and Daruthenga – on the periphery of Bhubaneswar. Water is expected to be easily accessible soon to all the residents of the six villages under the two Panchayats through the ‘Water Secure Initiative’ supported by Wipro Cares. We are pleased that the employees of Wipro Cares have come today to support the residents in the plantation drive. These fruit-bearing trees will be a sustainable source of nutritious food for the residents. ”

The ‘Water Secure Initiative’ extends beyond tree planting. It takes a comprehensive approach to water and natural resource management, addressing social, economic, institutional, and technical aspects. The initiative brings together entire Gram Panchayat communities to collaboratively manage resources, strengthen local governance, and enhance the leadership of women, youth, and children in decision-making processes related to water security.

Celebrating environmental stewardship

The plantation drive was more than just an environmental initiative. It was a celebration of community spirit and cultural heritage. A vibrant dance performance by village girls, showcasing traditional music and themes of environmental protection, added a festive touch to the occasion.

By empowering communities and fostering a sense of ownership, Gram Vikas and Wipro Cares are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more prosperous future for the residents of the project villages and surrounding areas.

Reported by Bhisma Bai, Santosh Kumar Rout, Chandrika Patnaik. Photograph by Bhisma Bai.