Pune: If planting trees were an Olympic sport, Hyundai Motor India Foundation would be walking home with a gold medal — and probably a sapling bouquet too. The CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited has successfully planted 1 million trees across 90.5 acres near Talegaon, Pune, creating one of Maharashtra’s largest urban forests in a record time of less than a year.
Developed under the Ioniq Forest initiative, the project transforms a once-barren patch of land into a dense, biodiverse green lung using the Miyawaki method — a fast-growing afforestation technique that encourages forests to become self-sustaining in a fraction of the usual time. The forest features 41 native tree species, turning the site into a thriving ecosystem rather than just a “green photo-op.”
From Bare Land to Breathing Forest 🌱
The green journey began with ground preparation in May 2025, followed by a massive plantation drive on World Environment Day (June 5, 2025). The forest was formally inaugurated in September 2025 by Devendra Fadnavis, marking a major milestone in large-scale urban afforestation.
In a tech-savvy twist befitting Hyundai’s innovation-first DNA, every tree is geo-tagged and linked to a QR code, enabling real-time monitoring, transparency, and long-term maintenance. Yes, even trees now come with better tracking than most courier parcels.
Big on Climate, Bigger on Community
Beyond its impressive green statistics, the Ioniq Forest delivers strong social impact. Over 150 members from local tribal communities have been actively engaged, creating sustainable livelihoods and ensuring that ecological restoration goes hand-in-hand with inclusive development.
Over the next five years, the forest is projected to absorb nearly 63,000 tonnes of CO₂, significantly boosting local climate resilience while enhancing biodiversity in the Pune region.
What Hyundai Has to Say
Speaking on the achievement, Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the initiative goes far beyond planting trees. According to him, the project represents Hyundai’s vision of combining environmental stewardship with community empowerment, while setting a new benchmark for large, contiguous afforestation efforts completed within a short timeframe.
A Living Classroom for the Future
Once fully established, the forest will evolve into a learning and engagement space for schools, students, and local communities, nurturing environmental awareness among future generations — proof that sustainability lessons don’t always need classrooms, sometimes just shade.
Part of a Bigger Commitment
This landmark project is backed by Hyundai’s ₹56 crore CSR investment in Maharashtra, spanning environment, healthcare, road safety, and community development initiatives. In short, this isn’t a one-off green gesture — it’s a long-term commitment with deep roots.
Hyundai didn’t just plant trees near Talegaon — it planted an idea. One where rapid urbanisation and rapid afforestation can coexist, and where a million trees can grow not just a forest, but a greener future too. 🌳
