Udaipur. Hindustan Zinc (NSE: HINDZINC), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, in collaboration with the Forest Department, Udaipur, has launched a large-scale plantation drive under the flagship initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ as part of the Government of Rajasthan’s Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign. The initiative was carried out at the Baghdarra Crocodile Conservation Reserve, a critical habitat for wildlife conservation in the region.
The event witnessed the active participation of several dignitaries, including Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc; S.R. Yadav, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Udaipur; Yadvendra Singh Chundawat, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Udaipur; Rahul Bhatnagar, Retd. Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Udaipur; Kishore Kumar S, COO of Hindustan Zinc; Anupam Nidhi, Head CSR, Vedanta & Hindustan Zinc; and Pradeep Singh, Chief HSE & Environment, Hindustan Zinc. Around 100 volunteers, including employees of Hindustan Zinc, forest officials, and students from Zinc Kaushal, Udaipur, also joined the drive.
During the plantation, 500 saplings were planted, with a larger target of nurturing 5,000 saplings in the coming months. The initiative emphasizes not only environmental conservation but also emotional connection—encouraging individuals to dedicate each tree to their mother or a loved one.
Speaking at the event, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, said:“I commend the Forest Department for their dedicated efforts in conserving wildlife at Baghdarra. At Hindustan Zinc, we are proud to contribute to the development of this park and envision Udaipur being recognized not only for its lakes and palaces but also for its pristine natural habitats like Baghdarra. Our commitment goes beyond today’s plantation drive—we remain dedicated to protecting species and preserving biodiversity at the reserve.”
Echoing the sentiment, S.R. Yadav, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Udaipur, added:“Under the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign, we have undertaken a plantation drive with a target of planting over 5,000 saplings at Baghdarra in association with Hindustan Zinc. This project extends beyond plantations—it also involves eco-tourism initiatives such as walking trails, jungle visits, and nature tracks, along with habitat restoration, removal of invasive species, and land rejuvenation. Together, these measures will ensure holistic development of Baghdarra while safeguarding its unique biodiversity.”
Earlier this year, Hindustan Zinc signed a ₹5 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Forest Department, Udaipur, to rejuvenate the Baghdarra Crocodile Conservation Reserve. The MoU outlines investments in large-scale afforestation, eco-friendly visitor facilities, water conservation structures like ponds and check dams, and scientific interventions to protect the crocodile population and other wildlife species.
The Baghdarra project is part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, and climate action. By integrating conservation with development, the company aims to create long-term ecological balance while promoting eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Beyond environmental initiatives, Hindustan Zinc’s social impact programs span women empowerment, skill development, inclusive education, grassroots sports, and support for differently abled communities. Through its community development projects, the company has touched the lives of over 2.3 million people across 2,300 villages, reinforcing its vision of building an inclusive and sustainable future.
