World Soil Day

World Soil Day, 5th December 2024 at Sundarban Region

The Bengal Chamber celebrated World Soil Day 2024 with Purpose and Impact.

World Soil Day is an annual observance on December 5, aimed at raising awareness about the crucial role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth. Soil health is vital for food security, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation. However, global soil degradation caused by deforestation, unsustainable practices, and climate change, threatens ecosystems and human livelihoods. This observance is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to prioritize soil conservation.

The Bengal Chamber has also been engaged in a massive mangrove plantation project, which serves as a long-term strategy for coastal protection and climate resilience. 1 lakh mangrove saplings have already been planted in the Sundarbans region as part of the Chamber's climate initiatives. Over 800 individuals were involved in this project. Locals were trained in plantation techniques, mangrove nursery management, and sustainable environmental practices.

This large-scale initiative is a forward-thinking response to the unique environmental vulnerabilities of the Sundarbans, ensuring long-term ecological resilience and sustainability.

In this context, the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) organized an impactful celebration of World Soil Day 2024 in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal. The event was designed to intertwine environmental restoration with livelihood generation, providing a holistic approach to sustainable development. The initiative carried out under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) framework, emphasized community empowerment while addressing critical environmental challenges.

Key Activities observed during World Soil Day:

Sapling Plantation Drive
The highlight of the Soil Day was an extensive sapling plantation drive conducted in Ganga Sagar.
■  Location: Ganga Sagar, Sundarbans.
■  Participants: 320 local residents actively engaged in the initiative.
■  Saplings Planted: A total of 32,000 saplings are aimed at restoring soil health, preventing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity.

Wage Distribution
Each participant received one day's wage, aligning with the dual objective of providing immediate economic relief and fostering environmental stewardship.

The plantation drive was not just an environmental effort but also a community-driven initiative to promote awareness about the critical need for sustainable soil management. The celebration was supported by Indofil Industries Limited, Vikram Solar Limited, Rene India, Anil Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd, Somani Apparels Pvt Ltd, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Peerless Hospital, Mckv Institute Of Engineering (Mckvie) and many Individuals.

The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry's World Soil Day 2024 celebration was a resounding success, serving as a model for integrating environmental conservation with livelihood generation. The initiative exemplifies how corporate social responsibility can be a powerful tool for addressing pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Through its innovative programs, the Chamber has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable future while empowering vulnerable communities. As the planted saplings grow, they stand as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the potential of collaborative efforts in building a sustainable tomorrow.

Local individuals were involved in massive mangrove plantation project.

Plantation work is going on the occasion of Soil Day Celebration.

The Bengal Chamber celebrates World Soil Day on 5th December at Sundarban Region.

Distribution of wages to locals who were involved in plantation work.