In a significant step toward integrating renewable energy growth with environmental conservation, the solar industry has launched a major afforestation initiative to plant 10 lakh Khejri trees by 2028. The programme reflects a growing recognition within the clean energy sector that sustainability must extend beyond power generation to include ecological restoration and community welfare.

The initiative focuses on the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria), a hardy, drought-resistant species native to arid and semi-arid regions of India, particularly Rajasthan. Often referred to as the “lifeline of the desert,” the Khejri tree plays a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility, preventing desertification, conserving groundwater, and supporting biodiversity. Its ability to thrive in harsh climatic conditions makes it especially suitable for regions where large solar parks and renewable energy projects are concentrated.

Industry leaders have highlighted that large-scale solar deployment, while essential for India’s clean energy transition, must also be accompanied by measures that protect local ecosystems. By planting Khejri trees around solar installations, along access roads, and in nearby villages, the initiative aims to create green buffers, reduce soil erosion, and improve microclimates in project areas.

Beyond environmental benefits, the programme also carries strong social and economic dimensions. The Khejri tree has deep cultural significance and practical value for rural communities. Its leaves serve as nutritious fodder for livestock, while its presence enhances agricultural productivity by enriching the soil with nitrogen. By involving local farmers, self-help groups, and village institutions in plantation and maintenance efforts, the initiative is expected to generate local employment and community participation.

The 10 lakh tree target is planned to be achieved in phases over the next few years, with structured monitoring to ensure high survival rates. Solar companies participating in the initiative have committed to long-term maintenance, recognising that successful afforestation requires sustained care rather than one-time planting drives.

Environmental experts have welcomed the move, noting that such initiatives help address concerns about land use and ecological impact associated with large renewable energy projects. They emphasise that native species-based afforestation, like the Khejri plantation drive, is far more effective than generic tree-planting efforts that often ignore local ecology.

The initiative also aligns with India’s broader climate commitments, including carbon reduction goals and land restoration targets. As the country rapidly expands its renewable energy capacity, integrating nature-based solutions is increasingly seen as essential to achieving truly sustainable development.

With the solar industry setting this example, policymakers and environmental groups hope similar models will be adopted across other infrastructure sectors. If implemented effectively, the plantation of 10 lakh Khejri trees by 2028 could serve as a benchmark for balancing clean energy expansion with ecological responsibility, reinforcing the idea that climate solutions must work in harmony with nature rather than at its expense.