The Kolkata team of the cricket premier league kicked off the 2026 edition of its sustainability initiative, Runs to Roots, on Saturday with a plantation drive at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park, bringing together environmental groups, community members, and grassroots beneficiaries.The initiative was inaugurated by Juhi Chawla, who stressed the importance of long-term thinking in environmental action. “A society becomes mature when people plant trees knowing they may never sit under their shade,” she said, urging individuals to start small, whether by planting in balconies or creating green pockets within residential communities.The drive was carried out in collaboration with an environmental organisation, which planted native and fruit-bearing species such as mango, chikoo, guava, star fruit and areca nut across the park.
“The idea is not just to plant, but to maintain trees until they become self-sustaining,” said Satinder, co-founder of the organisation, adding that fruit trees also support birds and small mammals while contributing to carbon reduction and improved air quality.The event also reflected the team’s evolving focus on sustainability over the years, from addressing waste management at stadiums to expanding green cover.
Chawla recalled earlier efforts to reduce post-match garbage and landfill load, noting that environmental responsibility has gradually become a larger priority.Beyond the plantation, the initiative spotlighted its community outreach through NGO partnerships. Women associated with a Kolkata based foundation, which runs skill-development programmes, spoke about how training in beautician work and mehendi artistry has enabled them to earn independently.
“I have been able to earn and support my family,” said one participant, while another shared that the programme helped her gain confidence and professional identity.Organisers said the effort is designed to go beyond symbolic plantation drives by linking sustainability with livelihood opportunities and community participation. The environmental organisation, which operates across multiple states, also uses geo-tagging technology to track plantations, allowing contributors to monitor the growth and impact of trees over time.As Kolkata faces increasing urbanisation and shrinking green spaces, such initiatives aim to address environmental concerns while strengthening community resilience, one tree at a time.
