Lucknow/New

Delhi, 03 April (HS): Delhi has been the world’s most polluted capital for six

consecutive years, according to data from the annual World Air Quality Report

by Swiss air quality technology company IQ Air. It says that in 2024, Delhi

recorded a yearly average PM2.5 concentration of 108.3 µg/m³, second only to

Byrnihat in Meghalaya, which had a concentration of 128.2 µg/m³ among South

Asia’s regional cities.

The

worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR has prompted tree plantation initiatives as

a key measure to improve air quality. Trees act as natural absorbers of CO2 and

provide oxygen, playing a crucial role in air purification. This has led to

collaborations between corporate houses, social enterprises, and civic bodies

to expand green coverage in the capital. One such partnership is between EY GDS

(Ernst & Young Global Delivery Services) and Grow-Trees.com, which is

actively involved in afforestation efforts in India and abroad. As part of EY

GDS's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals, Grow-Trees.com is

facilitating the plantation of 15,000 trees along the Yamuna riverbank in New

Delhi with support from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

“The

Yamuna riverfront faces environmental challenges due to pollution and its

limited green cover. Additionally, dense urban infrastructure contributes to

the urban heat island effect, impacting weather patterns and overall living

conditions. Urban greening is essential for carbon sequestration, improved air

quality, reduced heat and healthier biodiversity,” says Pradip Shah, co-founder

of Grow-Trees.com. He

adds that the collaboration between EY GDS, Grow-Trees.com, DDA and volunteers demonstrates how businesses

can integrate environmental responsibility into their core strategies,

translating corporate commitments into meaningful action for the betterment of

all.

“Companies

have a role in improving urban environments. This plantation drive is a small but

important step in that direction. Air pollution, water contamination, and

climate change are complex issues that require collective action. Our employees

recognize this challenge and are actively participating in the initiative,”

says Rumi Mallick Mitra, Director, Corporate Responsibility, at EY GDS.

The

tree plantation in Delhi-NCR is being carried out in two phases. As of February

21, 2025, 5,000 trees were planted in Phase 1. The tree species were selected

for their pollution tolerance, adaptability to Delhi’s climate, and medicinal

or fruit-bearing properties. These include Neem, Shisham, Jamun, Peepal, Ashok,

Pilkhan, Papri and Burma Dek. Grow-Trees.com not only facilitates tree planting

but also allows companies to appreciate employees' contributions by issuing

personalised co-branded eTreeCertificates®.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi