The Tree Plantation Project is one of the flagship initiatives of Himalayan Impact Trust, aimed at restoring the natural ecosystem of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Recognizing the critical role that forest cover plays in climate resilience, water conservation, and sustaining livelihoods, we have adopted a grassroots approach to environmental sustainability. Our model—Prepare, Plant, Protect (PPP)—ensures that plantations are not just symbolic acts, but long-term efforts backed by proper planning and community involvement.

We begin by preparing the land well in advance, digging pits to ensure soil aeration and readiness before the monsoon season. The planting phase is carried out during the rains when the chances of sapling survival are highest. Protection is a continuous process—using eco-friendly tree guards to shield saplings from grazing animals, and creating fire lines to defend against wildfires, which are common between March and June.

Our plantations are primarily carried out in Van Panchayat areas—community-managed forest lands—across multiple regions:

• In Nainital District, we are active in the Lalkuan region

• In Almora District, our focus includes Chiliyanaula and Tadikhet (Ranikhet region), as well as Basot and Jihar Van Panchayat areas in Bhikiyasen Tehsil

• We are also expanding into Udham Singh Nagar (Rudrapur), an aspirational district, as part of our upcoming projects.

As part of our wider sustainability efforts, we are committed to supporting groundwater recharge through ecological interventions. This includes planting broad-leaved trees around natural springs to stabilize the water table, and creating artificial ponds and trenches—locally known as chaal and khaal—that help retain rainwater and rejuvenate underground aquifers.

From an initial effort of a few hundred saplings, the project has grown to over 5,000 trees, with a vision to double this number each year. Beyond reforestation, the initiative fosters environmental awareness, creates local employment, and strengthens community ownership. Each sapling planted is a step toward a greener, water-secure, and more resilient Himalayan future.