Noida, Uttar Pradesh Jun 21, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - In a small but significant step towards combating rising temperatures, air pollution, and climate change, Hiba Green Foundation organized a tree plantation drive in the green belt area of Greater Noida Extension on June 20. The initiative marks the beginning of the Foundation's larger “Jungle Ugao” (Grow a Forest) Movement, aimed at creating urban mini forests and restoring green cover in rapidly expanding concrete landscapes.
The plantation drive was led by Hiba Khan, Founder of Hiba Green Foundation, who has pledged to continue similar plantation activities every weekend as part of the organization's long-term environmental mission. The event brought together local residents, volunteers, and environmental supporters who participated in planting saplings in an open green belt surrounded by residential societies and high-rise buildings.
At a time when cities are becoming increasingly dominated by concrete structures, shrinking green spaces, and rising temperatures, the Foundation believes that community-led afforestation can become a practical solution for creating cooler, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.
Addressing participants during the event, Hiba Khan emphasized the importance of reversing environmental degradation through collective action.
"On one side, forests are being cut down across the world. On the other side, we have started a movement to grow forests. Where jungles are disappearing, we are planting the seeds of new forests. Every sapling planted today is a step towards a cooler and greener tomorrow," she said.
The location chosen for the plantation drive reflects a growing environmental challenge faced by urban India. As residential towers and commercial developments continue to expand, natural green cover is steadily disappearing. The green belt plantation initiative seeks to create ecological pockets that can help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide natural shade in densely populated areas.
Environmental studies have consistently shown that increasing tree cover can significantly lower local temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, improve groundwater retention, and provide habitat for birds and pollinators. Recognizing these benefits, Hiba Green Foundation has launched its ambitious Mission 1 Lakh Trees, with a target of planting 100,000 trees by the end of the year.
The Foundation envisions transforming selected urban spaces into thriving mini forests that can serve as long-term ecological assets for local communities. Beyond tree plantation, the movement also aims to promote environmental awareness and encourage citizens to take personal responsibility for protecting nature.
Currently operating as a self-funded initiative, Hiba Green Foundation is carrying out its activities through personal savings, volunteer support, and community participation. Despite limited resources, the organization remains committed to expanding its environmental efforts and building a people-driven climate action movement.
Residents who joined the plantation drive welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that such efforts would inspire more communities to participate in local environmental restoration.
With a commitment to continue plantation drives every weekend, Hiba Khan and Hiba Green Foundation are seeking to demonstrate that meaningful climate action begins at the community level. As cities continue to warm and green spaces become increasingly scarce, the Jungle Ugao Movement aims to prove that even amidst concrete landscapes, new forests can take root and flourish.
"If forests can disappear because of human actions, they can also return because of human actions," said Hiba Khan. "This is just the beginning."
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