Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited (KFIL) has completed a four-day tree plantation drive at Shri Kade Pathar, the original abode of Lord Khandoba in Jejuri, Maharashtra. The initiative, conducted from October 14 to 17, involved planting more than 3,000 native saplings across 11 varieties, including Bhokar, Avala and Chinch.
The plantation drive was organised in collaboration with the Shri Khandoba Devata and Ling Kade Pathar Trust. It aims to develop green forest patches along the approximately three-kilometre walking route connecting Kade Pathar to the Jejuri Khandoba Temple, as well as along the steps leading to Kade Pathar.
The planned green cover is expected to provide natural shade, improve local biodiversity and make the route more comfortable for pilgrims, visitors and residents over time. The use of native species is also intended to support indigenous flora and fauna and strengthen the ecological resilience of the area.
KFIL employees, representatives of the Maharashtra State Forest Department and around 60 students, teachers and staff members from Shri Nageshwar Vidyalaya, Nazare, participated in the programme. Participants contributed to planting saplings and supporting local conservation efforts. A drip irrigation initiative was also inaugurated to help maintain the newly planted saplings and support their growth.
Commenting on the initiative, Nishikant Ektare, Executive Director at Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited, said, “At Kirloskar Ferrous Industries, we believe sustainability goes beyond planting trees; it is about nurturing ecosystems that can thrive for generations. By prioritising native species, this initiative seeks to strengthen local biodiversity, support indigenous flora and fauna, and contribute to the ecological resilience of the region. We are pleased to have collaborated with local institutions and the community in creating a greener and more welcoming environment for pilgrims and visitors and residents of Kade Pathar.”
Representatives of the Maharashtra State Forest Department, including Deepali Shinde and Dhananjay Devkar, supported the initiative. Temple trust representatives Mayur Didbhai, Rishikesh Satbhai and Sadanand Suresh Barbhai were also present. Senior KFIL representatives associated with the programme included PM Manojkumar, Chief Operational Officer; P Sathyamurthy, Plant Head for Jejuri; and Zakir Shaikh, Head of Human Resources. The plantation drive forms part of KFIL’s efforts to support environmental conservation, community well-being and responsible growth in and around its Jejuri operations.
Founded in 1991, Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited is a major Indian manufacturer of castings and pig iron. Its products serve sectors including tractors, automobiles and diesel engines. The company operates manufacturing facilities at Koppal, Hiriyur, Solapur and Rajpura, producing grey iron castings weighing up to 1,000 kg and various grades of pig iron. Its operations also include 3D printing, fully machined castings and coke oven manufacturing with waste-heat recovery power. KFIL has expanded its portfolio to include alloy steel and seamless tubes for bearing, boiler tube and automotive piping applications.
