Nirgosh Gaude
In a special initiative under the Corporal Environmental Responsibility (CER), Berger Paint Ltd., Kundaim, took up 8,000 square meters of land in Kundaim industrial estate for developing as a green belt.
The senior management of the company in the presence of officials of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) launched the initiative during the week by planting trees in the open space of the industrial estate. They announced that entire 8,000 square meters of the open space will be covered with the fruit bearing and native trees to transform parts of the estate into a forest.
On the occasion Berger Paint, executive director Kanwar Singh Dhingra, group head manufacturing & engineering Rakesh Tiwari, factory head Venkata Ramana Dumpala with IDC deputy manager Rahim Shaik, area manager Sanket Faldessai, field manager Sarvesh Shirodkar and others were present to mark the beginning of the green belt establishment process. Around 10 to 15 saplings of the fruit bearing trees were planted.
GIDC deputy manager Rahim Shaik informed that, as per rules 7.5 percent of the land in every industrial estate is kept as open or green space. “The government has made a policy decision to provide its open IDC land to the various companies interested in developing a green belt or garden. As part of the policy, Berger Paint company had approached GIDC and the open space handed over to the company. Though legally the land remains with the IDC, the company takes the responsibility of developing the area,” said Shaik. He added that, GIDC is open to more companies approaching them for greening of other estates.
For Berger Paint planting of trees in Kundaim is part of its Go Goa Green project. “Being in Goa for so many years, it is our responsibility to contribute to the state. The company will redevelop the entire 8,000 square meter area by proper mud filling and planting trees as per the soils need. An agency has been hired which will not just plant the trees but will also take care of them in the coming years,” said Tiwari.
The green belt development initiative reflects Berger Paints leadership commitment to sustainability and their responsibility toward the environment and community,” pointed out Dumpala. He said the company’s plant aims to create a cleaner, greener environment in and around the premises, promote biodiversity, and contribute positively to the ecosystem for the long-term benefit of all stakeholders.
Dupmala pointed out that, GIDC managing director Pravimal Abhishek (IAS), played a key role in the green initiative. He also praised the IDC managers and Kundaim industrial estate association who supported the execution of the initiative.
