Clean Green Nandi Project – Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India Pvt Ltd (MBRDI) today announced the successful completion of its ‘Clean Green Nandi’ project, a five-year program aimed at restoring the natural grandeur of Nandi Hills in Bengaluru, as well as helping to improve the local community’s livelihoods.
The initiative was launched in 2018 in response to increased tourist footfall in the hills, which resulted in pressing issues of pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation, leading in the drying up of life-sustaining rivers and the accumulation of plastic debris in the area. MBRDI initiated efforts to restore water bodies, establish up trash collecting infrastructure, influence visitor behavior, and safeguard the biodiversity of Nandi Hills using a scientific methodology and a holistic research. The continued efforts of the MBRDI have resulted in the collection and handling of 46,000 Kgs of waste, 85 Lakh gallons of pooled water, the construction of 11 check dams, and a 3% reduction in plastic generation.
Clean Green Nandi Project
“At MBRDI, we incorporate sustainability into all aspects of our operations.” Our efforts, which are in line with Mercedes-Benz’s worldwide sustainability goal, seek to have a beneficial impact on the lives of local communities and the environment. “The ‘Clean Green Nandi’ project exemplifies our commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and social cohesion,” stated Shweta Pandey, Vice President and General Counsel of MBRDI.
Creating Sustainable Livelihoods and Preserving Cultural Heritage
MBRDI launched a 45-day training program for local women, teaching them how to turn uprooted Lantana stems into eco-friendly household items. The project removed 60 acres of Lantana, an invasive weed that threatens biodiversity, and empowered women through a Self-Help Group to achieve sustainable lifestyles.
In addition to environmental initiatives, MBRDI is involved in the conservation and safeguarding of cultural treasures at Nandi Hills. The restoration of the hilltop Armory, the building of accessible pathways, and the placement of educational boards have increased visitor knowledge of the location’s historical significance.
Sustainability is a critical driver of business strategy for MBRDI, in accordance with worldwide goals. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives are focused on the pillars of Sustainable Mobility and Environmental Sustainability, with a strong emphasis on creating value that is sustainable – economically, environmentally, and socially.
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