Kapil Sharma, founder of SayTrees and a software engineer with Goldman Sachs, is leading India’s reforestation and water conservation efforts through innovative techniques and community engagement. Since its inception in 2007, SayTrees has planted over 3.24 million trees and rejuvenated ten lakes across Bengaluru and other cities.

Recent milestones include restoring a historic 200-year-old well in Bengaluru and reclaiming water-holding capacity equivalent to 10 M. Chinnaswamy Stadiums. With plans to plant one billion trees and rejuvenate 300 lakes by 2030, Sharma’s vision integrates environmental preservation with economic empowerment for farmers.

From Techie to Environmental Crusader

Kapil Sharma’s journey into environmental advocacy began in the bustling city of Bengaluru, where he moved in 2001 to pursue engineering at the Ambedkar Institute of Technology. As he navigated his studies and early career, he became increasingly aware of the rapid urbanisation that was transforming the city landscape. “I used to travel from Vijayanagar to Outer Ring Road and would see trees being cut down overnight. It was heartbreaking,” he recalls, reflecting on the emotional connection he developed with the city’s greenery.

This sense of urgency ignited a passion within him to take action before it was too late. “I felt that if I didn’t do something about it, I’d regret it for the rest of my life,” Kapil shares. In 2007, while balancing his career as a software engineer at Goldman Sachs, Kapil founded SayTrees as a weekend project aimed at planting trees in his community. What started as a small initiative quickly blossomed into a larger movement, with SayTrees now having planted over 3.8 million trees across India and rejuvenated six lakes in Bengaluru and Pune.

Greening Namma Bengaluru: One Forest at a Time

SayTrees has been instrumental in increasing Bengaluru’s green cover through impactful initiatives like urban forestry and lake rejuvenation. In 2022, SayTrees planted 9,825 trees at Nayandahalli Railway Station, which are now stepping up to the challenge-providing shade, reducing ground temperatures, and improving air quality in the area. This effort is part of a broader mission to combat urban heat islands and pollution in Bengaluru, a city grappling with rapid urbanization. Kapil Sharma and his team express gratitude to all nature lovers and organizations supporting these efforts under the banner of #Bengaluru, reinforcing the message of “Greening namma #Bengaluru, One FOREST at a time!”

Innovative Solutions: Miyawaki Forests and Agroforestry

SayTrees operates on two primary fronts: afforestation and water body revival. The organisation employs innovative techniques like the Miyawaki method for urban forestry, which allows dense forests to flourish in just a few years. This method not only enhances biodiversity but also helps combat urban heat islands by providing shade and improving air quality.

Kapil introduced this method in Bengaluru in 2016 after recognising its potential to bring back green cover in urban spaces lacking vegetation. Since then, SayTrees has created over 100 Miyawaki forests, each ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 saplings. “These forests are ten times more beneficial than regular plantations,” Kapil explains, citing increased carbon absorption and ecological diversity.

In rural areas, SayTrees supports farmers through agroforestry programs by providing saplings that yield alternative income sources such as mangoes and tamarind. For instance, farmers in Andhra Pradesh have reported selling six tonnes of mangoes annually through this initiative. “Last year alone, we supplied mango saplings to 11 farmers,” Kapil notes proudly.

Addressing Bengaluru’s Water Crisis

Recognising the city’s dire water scarcity, SayTrees expanded its focus to include water conservation initiatives in 2017. The organisation has rejuvenated over ten lakes-including Choodasandra Lake—and reclaimed approximately 22 crore litres of water-holding capacity lost to encroachment and debris. A recent highlight includes the restoration of a historic 200-year-old well on Bengaluru’s outskirts.

SayTrees aims to rejuvenate 300 lakes by 2030 while increasing water storage capacity by 100 billion litres by 2035—an ambitious goal requiring substantial funding estimated at ₹200 crores. This funding will be sought through partnerships with corporate entities under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Kapil Sharma envisions planting one billion trees and impacting two million farmers by restoring two million hectares of farmland by 2035. His flagship programs cater to small and marginal farmers in arid regions while promoting sustainable water management practices such as digging trenches, creating farm ponds, and restoring hand-dug wells.

Scaling Impact: A Vision for the Future

The impact of SayTrees extends beyond tree planting; it encompasses community engagement as well. Kapil believes that environmental action is not about sacrificing everything but about building a community that works together for change. “Saving our planet isn’t a solo act; it’s about joining forces,” he explains.

SayTrees has established over 100 green zones across various states in India, facilitating collaboration among local residents, businesses, and eco-champions committed to environmental stewardship. The organisation has mobilised more than 1,000 unique plantation projects across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Additionally, SayTrees focuses on reclaiming landfills naturally using resilient sapling varieties while educating communities about environmental preservation through research initiatives and advocacy campaigns.

Kapil’s work has garnered recognition at significant environmental forums; he was invited to speak at the World Forestry Congress in South Africa in 2015-a pivotal moment that solidified his commitment to environmental conservation.

Recognition and Future Goals

Kapil Sharma’s relentless dedication has earned him recognition on various platforms; he was named a ‘Top Innovator’ in ‘The Trillion Trees Challenge’ by the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform. His inspiring journey has been featured in prominent media outlets such as TED Talks and YourStory.

Looking ahead, SayTrees aims for ambitious goals: restoring 100 billion litres of water storage capacity by 2030 while continuing its afforestation efforts. This requires substantial funding through corporate partnerships under CSR initiatives.

As part of its outreach strategy, SayTrees also plans to launch educational programs aimed at raising awareness about climate change among school children and local communities-fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

Kapil’s advocacy for sustainable practices has reverberated globally; he received the Indian Achievers Award in 2022 for his significant contributions to environmental conservation and community empowerment.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Kapil Sharma’s SayTrees initiative exemplifies how individual passion can lead to collective environmental change. His innovative approaches address critical issues like deforestation and water scarcity while empowering communities economically and socially. As we celebrate these achievements, we encourage our readers to reflect: How can you contribute to greening your community? Share your thoughts below!