1 Dot Ball, 500 Trees: Did the IPL Actually Plant a Forest?
Symbols of green trees showed up on the score graphics (On Television Screen) for every dot ball during the first qualifier match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad on 21st May 2024. The step was a part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s green initiative.
In 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) partnered with the Tata Group to launch a green initiative. As part of this initiative, for every dot ball bowled during the IPL 2023 playoffs (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final), 500 trees were pledged to be planted across India.
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| Dot balls are shown as tree symbols |
Here are some numbers from the 2023 IPL playoffs:
- In the first qualifier, 84 dot balls were bowled, resulting in a pledge to plant 42,000 tree saplings.
- In the Eliminator match, 96 dot balls were bowled, leading to a pledge to plant 48,000 trees.
- In the second qualifier, 69 dot balls were bowled, leading to 34,500 trees to be planted.
- In the final, 45 dot balls were bowled, equating to 22,500 trees being pledged for planting.
In total, 294 dot balls were bowled during the playoffs, leading to a pledge to plant 147,000 saplings.
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| TATA Women's Premier League |
The Women’s Premier League (WPL - 2024), like the men’s IPL, had also adopted the green initiative of planting trees for dot balls. The Tata Group, in a campaign titled “We Love Dot Balls”, announced that they would be planting 50 trees for every dot ball bowled in the WPL.
From Dot Balls to Green Goals:
No doubt, BCCI and Tata Group’s tree plantation initiative is a commendable step towards environmental conservation. This campaign not only adds an interesting twist to the game of cricket but also contributes significantly to the environment.
- Promoting Environmental Awareness: This initiative brings the issue of environmental conservation to the forefront. By associating tree plantation with cricket, a sport that has a massive fan base in India, they are effectively raising awareness about the importance of tree plantation and its impact on the environment.
- Combating Climate Change: Tree plantation is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases, thereby reducing its concentration in the atmosphere. By pledging to plant trees for every dot ball, the BCCI and Tata Group are contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Enhancing Biodiversity: Tree plantations can provide habitats for various species of flora and fauna, thereby enhancing biodiversity. This is particularly important in a country like India, which is home to numerous endemic species.
- Community Engagement: This initiative also has the potential to engage the community. Cricket fans, inspired by this initiative, might be encouraged to participate in tree plantation activities in their localities.
- Creating a Sustainable Legacy: The BCCI and Tata Group, through this initiative, are creating a sustainable legacy for future generations. This initiative goes beyond the boundaries of the cricket field and contributes to the larger goal of environmental conservation.
A Call for Transparency:
The BCCI’s partnership with the Tata Group for tree plantation is a commendable initiative. For every dot ball bowled during the IPL, 500 trees are pledged to be planted. This is a significant step towards environmental conservation and demonstrates the commitment of the cricketing community towards this cause.
However, the general public needs clarity on the actual implementation of this initiative. Questions have arisen regarding whether the BCCI and Tata Group have truly planted the pledged 147,000 trees. If they have, where exactly are these trees located? It is crucial for the public to know the specific regions or cities that have benefited from this campaign.
Moreover, there is curiosity about the types of trees planted. Are they native species that will thrive in their respective environments, or are they fast-growing species selected for their carbon sequestration capabilities? The choice of tree species can significantly impact the local ecosystem, biodiversity, and the overall success of the reforestation effort.
The feasibility of planting 147,000 trees in a single year is another concern. Planting such a large number of trees requires substantial planning and resources, including land, labour, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the saplings grow into mature trees. This raises questions about the logistics of the initiative. Have local communities been involved in the planning process? What strategies are in place to ensure the long-term survival and growth of these trees?
While the initiative looks good on TV, it would be equally gratifying to see the actual plantation happening across India. The BCCI and Tata Group should maintain transparency about the progress of this initiative, including the locations of the tree plantations and the number of trees actually planted. Without this transparency, the public might question the credibility of this initiative. Is it a genuine effort towards environmental conservation, or is it just a publicity stunt? These are the questions that need to be addressed to ensure the success and credibility of this initiative.
What can be done?
- Pre-determined Planting Sites: The BCCI and Tata Group could identify and announce designated locations for tree plantation before the IPL season begins. This would not only provide clarity about where the trees are being planted but also allow for better planning and execution of the planting process. The selected sites could be spread across different regions of India, ensuring a nationwide impact. This approach would also enable local communities to get involved and take ownership of the initiative, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility towards environmental conservation.
- Progress Updates: Regular updates on the planting process would go a long way in building trust and maintaining transparency. The BCCI and Tata Group could share pictures and videos from the plantation sites, showcasing the progress made. These updates could be shared through various platforms, including social media, official websites, and during IPL matches. This would keep the public informed and engaged, and also serve as a constant reminder of the commitment towards environmental conservation.
- Independent Audits: To ensure the credibility of the initiative, an independent body could be engaged to verify the number of trees planted. This could be a reputable environmental organization or a third-party auditor with expertise in environmental conservation. The audit reports could be made publicly available, providing an additional layer of assurance. This would not only validate the efforts of the BCCI and Tata Group but also set a precedent for other organizations to follow when undertaking similar initiatives.
Way forward:
As we move forward, it’s important for all of us to remember that every small step counts. Whether it’s planting a single tree or pledging to plant hundreds of thousands, every effort contributes to the larger goal of environmental conservation. Let’s applaud the BCCI and Tata Group for their initiative and encourage more organizations to follow suit. On the other hand, the way dot ball is promoted on televisions to public, similarly the update about plantation should also be shown to the audience in the form of actual images and places.
