-2000 saplings planted to increase the forest cover in the Bhondsi belt of Delhi-NCR-

Delhi : In order to address the impact of climate change in the Delhi-NCR region and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Fortis Cancer Institute, New Delhi in association with Sustainable Green initiative (SGI) organized a tree plantation drive at RTC Bhondsi Haryana Police, in Gurugram today. During the drive, more than 2000 saplings were planted with the aim to increase the green cover in the Bhondsi belt of Delhi-NCR. The saplings included Neem, Ashoka, Kachnaar, Guava, Pomegranate, Gulmohar, Bottlebrush, Sheesham and varieties of Palm. The event witnessed the gracious presence of His Excellency Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden in India alongwith participation from more than 240 people comprising of top oncologists, senior leadership from Fortis, Cancer fighters and survivors along with senior representatives from Sustainable Green Initiative who actively participated in the tree plantation drive. The plantation drive is also part of several steps being taken by the top hospital chain to offset the carbon footprint of the newly launched Fortis Cancer Institute, Defence Colony, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nitesh Rohatgi, Senior Director – Medical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, “I am honored to be present on this occasion and pleased to partner with Sustainable Green Initiative. The tree plantation drive is part of our contribution to the ‘Go Green’ initiative of the Government of India, to combat the effects of global warming and reduce the impact on climate change. As a socially conscious organization, Fortis believes in doing everything possible towards maintaining the ecological balance, creating a sustainable society and a clean, green environment for our future generations. We are thankful to SGI for providing the saplings and making this drive a resounding success.”

Emphasizing the need to protect and conserve the environment Mr Raj Mohan, Founder – Director, Sustainable Green initiative (SGI) said, “We are living in an age where climate change isn’t a notion anymore, it’s real. One of the most realistic ways to address it is by reducing our carbon footprint and not

adding to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Tree plantation is very important for our environment and this initiative will go a long way in inculcating awareness among the people on increasing the green

belt and environment conservation. SGI plants and nurtures trees across India and since 2012, has planted 75 lakh trees, and in on course to plant 2 crore trees in 2022. We are thankful to Fortis Healthcare for their support and for giving us an opportunity to partner with them. Let us all pledge to not only plant as many trees as possible but also to nurture them”.