SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has been steadfastly pursuing its commitment towards environmental conservation through its annual Mass Tree Plantation programme, transforming vast stretches of land in and around Rourkela into lush green spaces. With the plantation of more than 52 lakh trees over the years through mass plantation drives and other afforestation initiatives, RSP has played a pivotal role in creating a green girdle around the city.

The annual Mass Tree Plantation programme, launched in 2007, has become one of RSP’s most significant environmental initiatives. Every year, a new site is identified and developed into a green zone with active participation from employees, their family members, school students, voluntary organisations and local residents.

Beginning with Ispat Udyan on NIT Road in Sector-2 in 2007, the initiative has grown steadily over the years with the development of several green spaces across the Steel City. These include Ispat Airport Udyan near Airport, Ispat Fruit Garden at Green Park, Sec-8, Ispat Upavan at Airport Road, Ispat Van Vatika near ILS School, Sec-8, Ispat Prakriti Udyan at Sec-6, Ispat Van Vihar near Rourkela House, Ispat Paryavaran Udyan near Deepika Mahila Jagruti Sansthan Sec-2,  Ispat Harit Udyan behind Rourkela House, Sec-20, Ispat Vanasthal near Electrical Sub-station Sec-7,  Ispat Banani near NAC School Sec-16,  Ispat Vriksha Udyan near Ispat Stadium, Ispat Nandan Vihar,  Sec-18, Ispat Phal Udyan, Sec-8,  Ispat Aranya Vatika, Bethani Church Road, Sec-20, Ispat Vriksha Vihar, Sec-1,  Ispat Aranya Udyan, Sec-20 and Ispat Sabuja Van at Gopaltoli, Jagda.

These plantations have not only enhanced the city’s green cover but have also contributed significantly towards improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, mitigating the impact of climate change and creating healthier public spaces for the community.

The Mass Tree Plantation programme reflects RSP’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By consistently expanding green cover year after year, RSP continues to reinforce its vision of balancing industrial growth with ecological responsibility, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.