In view of its focus on biodiversity, Tata Steel has set-up the Hibiscus Park in the township of Noamundi . The park, spread over 3000 square metres was inaugurated today by Mr Rajeev Singhal, Vice President (Raw Materials), Tata Steel in the presence of Mr Pankaj Satija, General Manager (Ore Mines & Quarries), Tata Steel and senior officials of the company.

Last year, the OMQ Division of Tata Steel hosted a seminar on medicinal plants, human health and biodiversity under the banner of “Green Therapy”. The Ayurvedic practitioners who participated in the “Green Therapy” seminar suggested to plant Hibiscus in the region as it has many medicinal values. In the deliberation of medicinal values on native floral diversity the concept of Hibiscus was conceived – a plant that has a lot of importance in culture and customs of India.

Hibiscus has more than 100 species and Hibiscus Park houses 48 species of hibiscus including Mallorca, Vellachery, Hawaii and Moscheutos varieties. The Hibiscus Park is not only a reflection of Tata Steel`s commitment towards environment but also an initiative to revive the lost medicinal values of such herbs. Rich in vitamin and minerals, Hibiscus provides relief from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is believed to have anti-cancer properties in Ayurveda.  The park will not only bloom with a rainbow of Hibiscus flowers in times to come but will also benefit people of the region with its medicinal values.

The OMQ Division of Tata Steel has taken several environmental initiatives along with the community for the conservation, preservation and restoration of biodiversity. Tata Steel is committed to the conservation, enhancement and restoration of biodiversity in its areas of operation. To formalise this commitment, the Company adopted the company-wide Biodiversity Policy and has also developed the Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) for all its mines and collieries. The progresses of the BMPs are being assessed by International Union for Conservation of Nature on regular basis.

About Tata Steel
Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 27.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) as on March 31, 2017. It is the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries. The Group recorded a consolidated turnover of US $18.12 billion (INR 117,420 crore) in FY17. Tata Steel Group is spread across five continents with an employee base of nearly 74,000. Having bagged the Deming Application Prize and Deming Grand Prize for continuous improvement in 2008 and 2012 respectively, Tata Steel has now been recognised as the global ‘Industry Leader’ in ‘Steel category’ by Dow Jones Sustainability Index (2015). Besides being a member of the World Steel Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel has also been felicitated with several awards including the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2013-14 (received in 2017), Best Risk Management by CNBC TV18 (2016), ‘Best-in-class Manufacturing’ award from TIME India (2016) and the ‘Most Ethical Company’ award from the Ethisphere Institute (2016), IIM Sustainability Award (2015), among several others.

Disclaimer
Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, economic conditions affecting demand/ supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/ or other incidental factors.

Kulvin Suri
Chief, Corporate Communications, India & SEA
Tata Steel
E-mail: kulvinsuri@tatasteel.com