Green Revival: India’s Biggest CSR Restoration Blossoms at Kolkata’s Botanic Garden

Updated: November 05, 2025 05:15

Image Source: Times Of India

India’s largest CSR-funded public restoration project is underway at the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah, Kolkata. With ₹23 crore committed by NTPC, the initiative focuses on reviving the historic Old Herbarium building. Led by INTACH and Alleya & Associates, the project blends heritage conservation with public engagement.

From Roots to Renaissance: ₹23 Crore CSR Project Breathes New Life into Kolkata’s Botanical Legacy

In a landmark move for heritage and environmental conservation, the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah is undergoing a massive restoration—India’s largest CSR-funded public heritage project to date. The centerpiece of this initiative is the Old Herbarium, a colonial-era building that once housed an extensive collection of plant specimens and botanical archives.

Key Highlights of the Restoration Project:

Historic Significance of the Old Herbarium

Built in 1883, the Old Herbarium was modeled after the 1853 Herbarium at Kew Gardens, London.

It features a double-height interior and a first-floor gallery, making it ideal for educational and public engagement spaces.

Record-Breaking CSR Commitment

NTPC, a public sector energy company, has pledged ₹23 crore for the restoration—surpassing the previous CSR record of ₹14 crore by Citibank for Mumbai’s Afghan Church.

This sets a new benchmark for corporate involvement in heritage preservation.

Expert-Led Execution

The project is being implemented by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), known for its conservation expertise.

Alleya & Associates are the lead consultants, ensuring architectural fidelity and structural integrity.

Public Engagement and Future Use

Once restored, the Old Herbarium will serve as a multi-functional space for exhibitions, workshops, and botanical education.

It aims to become a hub for eco-awareness and cultural tourism, drawing both locals and international visitors.

Botanic Garden’s Broader Role

The AJC Bose Garden, home to the iconic Great Banyan Tree, is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in Asia.

This restoration aligns with efforts to revitalize green heritage sites and promote sustainable urban development.

This ambitious project not only preserves a piece of India’s botanical and colonial history but also reimagines it for future generations—where conservation meets community.

Sources: Times of India, BengalInfo, World News

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