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Mr. Jagdish Rai Singal, Founder and Chairman of Eastman Group, has embarked on an ambitious project to transform a landfill site into a Miyawaki forest, inspired by the Prime Minister’s "Mann Ki Baat" episode broadcast in July 2024. Situated in the Focal Point Industrial Area of Ludhiana, the initiative targets the rejuvenation of 2 acres of land with a total investment of INR 1 crore, executed in two phases. For this green initiative, Mr. Singal has partnered with the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana to repurpose wasteland in urban areas.

The selected site, covering more than 5500 square yards, was previously a landfill. Recognizing the urgency of land restoration, Mr. Singal has allocated INR 30 lakhs to the initial phase, which involves extensive cleaning to enhance soil fertility. This groundwork is crucial for preparing the land for the subsequent stages of the project, which include land clearing, tree planting, and ensuring long-term sustainability and maintenance.

Lauding the efforts Sandeep Rishi, Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Ludhiana said “The initiative taken by Mr. Jagdish Rai Singal on this transformative Miyawaki forest project is commendable. This project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in advancing Ludhiana city's environmental goals toward a cleaner and green future. By converting a former landfill into a vibrant green Miyawaki Forest, on the one hand, we are addressing the aggravated problem of pollution, however, on the other hand, we are setting a new standard for urban sustainability and environment conservation. We applaud Mr. Singal for this vision and commitment to making the industrial land of Ludhiana a healthier place”.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Jagdish Rai Singal, Said “ Environmental sustainability is the need of the hour, and through this project, we aim to transform barren land into a thriving green space that benefits the community and restores ecological balance. Aligning ourselves with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's Vision, we plan to collaborate with municipal corporations across Punjab to replicate such initiatives in various urban areas. We hope this serves as an inspiration for more industry players to contribute to urban sustainability, making our country healthier and more vibrant for future generations”

The Miyawaki forest is renowned for its fast-growing, dense urban forests which will be established through diligent planning and execution. This initiative not only aims to combat urban pollution but also seeks to provide a greener and healthier place for the community and generations to come.

Acknowledging the efforts, Mr. Lokesh Jain, Chairman, CII, commented, "Our initiative 'Lungs of Ludhiana', embodies the spirit of industry-administration collaboration for a greener future of the city.  We laud the efforts of Eastman Group for the collaboration with Municipal corporation to undertake the task of restoration of the wasteland in the Industrial area. I am certain that this initiative will encourage other industry players to replicate these efforts Pan India to help create a greener, cleaner environment for current and future generations. The ambition to plant 1 million trees, aims to transform Ludhiana into the greenest city in Asia. This collective effort is crucial for improving air quality and enhancing the overall environmental health”

Mr. Singal's dedication to this cause highlights a significant step toward addressing current environmental challenges and encouragement to revive ecological balance in urban settings. The project is expected to create a lasting impact that is likely to contribute to cleaner air, improved soil health, and an enhanced quality of life for residents of Ludhiana, especially across the industrial area.

This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s broader environmental goals and serves as a model for future urban green projects. It emphasizes the importance of the Eastman Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a precedent for similar efforts across the nation.

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