Hyundai Motor India Foundation creates one of Maharashtra’s largest urban forests

MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Foundation has turned a barren stretch near Talegaon, Pune, into one of Maharashtra’s largest urban forests, planting one million trees across 90.5 acres in less than a year.

Developed under the IONIQ Forest initiative, the project uses the Miyawaki method to create a dense, fast-growing forest of 41 native species, positioning it among the country’s most ambitious single-site afforestation drives.

The effort began with ground preparation in May 2025, followed by a mass plantation drive on World Environment Day in June. The forest was formally inaugurated in September by Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra. Each tree has been geo-tagged and linked to a QR code, allowing real-time monitoring and transparency in upkeep.

Puneet Anand, avp and vertical head – corporate affairs, corporate communication and social at Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the project went beyond planting trees. “This is about building a greener and more sustainable future by combining environmental restoration with community empowerment. Planting one million trees at a single location in under a year underlines Hyundai’s commitment to climate action and responsible growth in Maharashtra,” he said.

The forest is projected to absorb around 63,000 tonnes of CO₂ over the next five years, while improving biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience in the region. More than 150 members of local tribal communities have been engaged in plantation and maintenance work, linking ecological restoration with sustainable livelihoods.

Once established, the site is expected to evolve into a living classroom for schools and local communities, promoting environmental awareness and hands-on learning.

The project is part of Hyundai’s broader Rs 56 crore CSR commitment in Maharashtra, spanning environment, healthcare, road safety and community development.

From cleared land to carbon sink in under a year, Hyundai’s IONIQ Forest shows how scale, speed and sustainability can grow together.