Shaping a Greener Future
Since our inception in 2012 under the Societies Registration Act 1961, Tarakeswar Green Mates has been dedicated to driving environmental change and supporting communities across West Bengal. Here's a glimpse of our contributions and impact over the years.
A Decade of Dedication (2012-2023)
Over the past ten years, our initiatives have spanned a wide range of activities, reflecting our commitment to both environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Key highlights include:
- Environmental & Biodiversity Awareness: Conducted over 350 programs engaging more than 35,000 students and villagers across 11 districts (including Hooghly, Howrah, Purba Bardhaman, Kolkata, and others). Topics covered nature, wildlife (snakes, turtles), water conservation, pollution solutions, climate change, and snakebite management. Special events included cycle rallies and effective 'No Plastic'/'Planet or Plastic' campaigns.
- Plastic & Waste Management: Ran 20+ educational programs and 10+ cleaning drives, preventing 1.5 tons of plastic/thermocol waste. Successfully declared Damodar & Mundeswari Riverbanks "Plastic Free Zones" during picnic seasons. Conducted Solid Waste Management surveys in collaboration with CEE, SUDA, and Rishra Municipality (2019).
- Afforestation & Green Initiatives: Planted over 3,500 saplings across 10 districts. Established 5 medicinal plant gardens in hospitals and schools featuring 30+ plant varieties to promote traditional healthcare.
- Wildlife Rescue & Conservation: Rescued over 1000 animals (snakes, turtles, monitor lizards, birds, mammals), successfully releasing more than 900 back into their natural habitats in close partnership with the West Bengal Forest Department. Ran 'Zero Hunting' campaigns (2018-19) in Purulia and East Medinipur.
- Biodiversity Documentation (PBR): Created comprehensive People's Biodiversity Registers for multiple blocks (Tarakeswar, Balagarh, Magra-Chinsurah) and municipalities (Tarakeswar, Konnagar, Champdani, etc.) in Hooghly district, documenting over 4,000 species of flora and fauna in collaboration with the West Bengal Biodiversity Board (WBBB).
- Advocacy: Actively opposed illegal tree felling due to road widening and challenged detrimental alterations to natural water bodies.
- Social Welfare Outreach: Organized 10+ blood donation camps (collecting 600+ units for Govt. Blood Banks), distributed dresses and blankets to over 400 individuals, provided educational tools to 100+ students, served food to 500+ people, and conducted medical check-up camps for 500+ individuals.
Our Impact Highlights (2012-2023)
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
Providing critical support through rescue (including snakes, turtles, monitors, birds), medical treatment, and safe release of wildlife back into natural habitats, in collaboration with the West Bengal Forest Department.
Afforestation & Habitat Protection
Combating deforestation, enhancing green cover across 10 districts through plantation drives, and preserving natural resources via advocacy against illegal tree felling and water body alteration.
Biodiversity & Environmental Awareness
Educating 35,000+ people across 11 districts on conservation, sustainability, plastic pollution ('Planet or Plastic' campaign), snakebite management, and documenting local flora/fauna through People's Biodiversity Registers (PBR).
Community Welfare & Support
Supporting community needs via 10+ blood donation camps, distribution of clothing, educational tools (100+ students), food drives, medical check-up camps, and promoting health through medicinal plant gardens.