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Tata Chemicals Marks International Biodiversity Day 2026 with Community-Led Conservation Initiatives in Mithapur

Newsmantra — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:21:46 +0000

Marks International Biodiversity Day 2026 with ecological restoration, awareness programs and marine biodiversity engagement

29th May 2026 | Mumbai, India: Reinforcing its long-standing commitment towards environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, Tata Chemicals Ltd., Mithapur, along with the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD), undertook a series of biodiversity-focused initiatives across the Okhamandal region to mark International Biodiversity Day 2026. Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Acting locally for global impact”, the initiatives highlighted the importance of community participation, ecological restoration, biodiversity awareness, and marine conservation in protecting fragile ecosystems and local habitats.

Initiative 1: Ecological Restoration & Biodiversity Conservation at Gyan Sagar Embankment

One of the key highlights of the initiative was the biodiversity conservation project developed along the lime embankment on the Gyan Sagar (Sagar Dam) road in Mithapur. What began nearly three years ago as an effort to reclaim saline wasteland has today evolved into a thriving biodiversity-rich ecosystem. Developed using waste lime instead of conventional soil, the site has been transformed through extensive plantation efforts aimed at creating a sustainable green habitat. Building on the success of the initiative, Tata Chemicals Ltd. (TCL) has further expanded the plantation area by an additional 750 metres with a width of 50 metres to strengthen biodiversity conservation and community participation.

Taking into consideration the bird species and local wildlife found in Mithapur and the Okhamandal region, TCL developed three distinct plantation zones at the site — Piloo Plantation Plot, Miyawaki Forest, and Van Kavach Forest. Today, the restored habitat supports nearly 80 bird species along with wildlife such as foxes and other native animals. The site also attracts migratory birds including Eurasian Hobby, Hypocolius, and Harriers during the winter months, gradually emerging as an important ecological refuge for biodiversity conservation in the region.

Initiative 2: Biodiversity Awareness & Field Orientation Program

As part of the International Biodiversity Day celebrations, Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) also organized biodiversity awareness and field orientation programs on May 21 and 22, 2026. A total of 56 volunteers, including Tata Chemicals employees, retired employees, and their family members, participated in the initiative.

The sessions focused on creating awareness around biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, environmental sustainability, and the challenges contributing to biodiversity loss in the Okhamandal region. Following the awareness sessions, volunteers participated in a field-based biodiversity survey exercise at Mojap village for the study and documentation of local flora and fauna.

Initiative 3: World Turtle Day & Marine Biodiversity Awareness Initiative

Further strengthening its environmental conservation efforts, Tata Chemicals’ Project Sahajeevan — a key CSR and community development initiative implemented in association with TCSRD organized a World Turtle Day Celebration and Volunteer Orientation Program at Mithapur Beach on May 23, 2026. Focused on promoting marine biodiversity conservation, coastal ecosystem protection, and community participation, the initiative aimed to spread awareness about sea turtles, fragile marine habitats, and the importance of preserving coastal biodiversity across the Okhamandal region.

The program brought together volunteers, environmental enthusiasts, and local community members for awareness talks and orientation activities aimed at encouraging citizen participation in marine biodiversity exploration and coastal conservation efforts. The initiative also highlighted the importance of collective action in safeguarding marine ecosystems and promoting long-term environmental sustainability for future generations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rino Raj, Vice President and Plant Head, Mithapur, said, “The increasing presence of birds nesting, including migratory species and raptors, pollinators, and other native wildlife in the restored habitats around Mithapur reflects the positive impact of sustained ecological efforts. These initiatives demonstrate how local action and community participation can contribute meaningfully towards global biodiversity conservation goals.”

Mr. Chintan Joshi, Head of Corporate Advocacy, Communications and CSR, Tata Chemicals spokesperson added, “At Tata Chemicals, sustainability and biodiversity conservation remain integral to our community engagement philosophy. Through these initiatives, we are not only restoring ecosystems but also building awareness and encouraging collective participation towards environmental stewardship and long-term ecological sustainability.”

Over the years, Tata Chemicals and TCSRD have continued to work closely with local communities, environmental groups, employees, and volunteers to strengthen sustainable development practices and promote conservation-driven community engagement across the Okhamandal region.

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Rourkela Steel Plant Strengthens Summer Care Measures for animals and birds at Indira Gandhi Park

Newsmantra — Thu, 21 May 2026 09:17:54 +0000

SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has undertaken a series of proactive initiatives through its Horticulture Department to protect the animals, birds, and reptiles housed at the Indira Gandhi Park Zoo from the harsh summer heat. The measures are aimed at ensuring a safe and healthy environment for nearly 200 zoo inhabitants belonging to 18 different species.

As part of the summer care plan, cold water is being regularly sprayed inside the enclosures of leopards, bears, deer, and primates using water tankers to reduce ambient temperatures. Air coolers have also been installed in the enclosures of leopards, bears, monkeys, peacocks, and macaws to provide additional relief from the soaring heat.

To maintain hygiene and ensure animal comfort, water pools in the paddocks of bears, deer, and emus are being scraped and cleaned thoroughly to provide clean bathing spaces. Enclosures are being disinfected regularly with medicinal disinfectants to prevent infections and maintain sanitation during the hot season.

A continuous supply of cold and potable drinking water is being ensured in the deer enclosures and wallowing ponds for sambars, nilgai, and emus. In addition, to prevent dehydration and heat-related stress, the animals are being provided electrolyte supplements, succulent feed, and anti-stress formulations mixed with drinking water, particularly for primates, birds, and deer.

Water tankers are also being deployed to sprinkle water over animal sheds every alternate day to reduce surface temperature and create a cooling effect. Special attention is being given to sensitive and endangered species, ensuring uninterrupted access to water bodies for effective body temperature regulation.

Notably, Indira Gandhi Park Zoo, is the the second-largest integrated zoo in Odisha, which attracts nearly one lakh visitors every year.

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India Animal Welfare Forum to Convene Philanthropy, Policy, and Practice for a Stronger Animal Welfare Ecosystem

Newsmantra — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:12:03 +0000

The forum will launch the INR 13 Crore India Animal Welfare Funding Circle to support scalable animal welfare initiatives.

Mumbai, 20th January 2026: Animal welfare in India sits at the intersection of public health, climate resilience, livelihoods, and sustainable development yet it continues to receive just 1.5% of corporate CSR funding. At a time when the country is rethinking how development is funded and delivered, the India Animal Welfare Forum (IAWF) will bring together the people shaping the future of this under-supported sector. Scheduled for 31st January 2026 in Mumbai, IAWF is a first-of-its-kind national convening designed to strengthen animal welfare as a serious, strategic development priority. The Forum will gather philanthropists, NGOs, researchers, policymakers, technologists, movement builders and media in one room, many of whom rarely intersect, creating space for shared learning, honest conversations, and long-term collaboration.

Hosted by the Upadhyaya Foundation, IAWF goes beyond discussion to focus on action. It will mark the launch of the INR 13 Crore India Animal Welfare Funding Circle, a collective of philanthropists supporting initiatives across the country. The Forum will spotlight high-impact models, emerging research, and practical solutions across the animal welfare spectrum, from community animals and farmed animals to wildlife conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, and policy reform. Participants will engage with evidence-backed approaches, innovative funding mechanisms, and scalable interventions that have the potential to transform how animal welfare is supported in India.

“Animals, like us, are children nurtured by mother Earth. Societal progress is incomplete without the shared wellbeing of all our sentient siblings. Animal welfare is not an isolated charity; it is a critical pillar of holistic growth that dictates how our cities breathe, how our ecosystems function, and how our communities find balance.” said Brinda Upadhyaya, Co-founder of Upadhyaya Foundation. “The India Animal Welfare Forum is designed to bridge the gaps between funders and practitioners, data and narrative ensuring that our path forward is inclusive of every life, moving us toward a future of clarity, confidence, and collective strength.”

The Forum’s agenda reflects the diversity and complexity of the sector. Parallel tracks will explore wildlife and habitat loss, farmed animal welfare, coexistence models, technology and AI applications, public narratives, reptile conservation, and recent legal developments shaping animal welfare governance, including a session on Supreme Court directives on street dogs in Delhi. Together, these conversations aim to provide a comprehensive view of both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.

“In India, where animal welfare faces layered challenges from stray overpopulation and urban cruelty to wildlife poaching, bringing NGOs, funders, researchers, and veterinary institutions onto a single platform is critical,” said Mr. Nawshir Mirza, Trustee of FIAPO (Federation of India Animal Protection Organisations) and Mentor of AMTM (Animal Matter To Me). “Such collaboration bridges gaps between grassroots realities and data-driven solutions, enables funders to direct resources more effectively, and encourages innovation in areas like disease control, sterilisation, and emergency care. A unified forum also reduces duplication, strengthens advocacy for laws such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and amplifies public awareness accelerating progress toward humane policies and sustainable conservation amid rapid urbanisation”, he added.

By convening diverse stakeholders and amplifying underrepresented perspectives, the India Animal Welfare Forum seeks to shift animal welfare from the margins of philanthropy to its mainstream by encouraging more informed, intentional, and sustained investment of multiple formats in the sector.

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