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Going by the belief that everyone is a a guest on earth,the Accor Group launched the Earth Guest Day Programme in 2006.“There have been many programme and efforts towards saving the earth. Our main intention was to maximise positive impact while minimising the negative effect of our operations. We are not asking people to just start planting trees– the first step would be to accept the responsibility that we should not only receive but also give back to Earth in whatever little form possible. It has to be a give and take relation,” says Maverik Mukerji,general manager,IBIS Hotels that belongs to the Group.

So even before they start operations in the city June the Accor Group has started their first ‘give back’ project in the city for the Poona School and House for Blinds. A piece of barren land in the premises of the school has been chosen for the Lawn Development Project (LDP) where the work began formally yesterday.

“World Earth Day is April 22,but we are doing it a week before. Under the programme,the cleaning work has already begun and we will be placing patches of grass all over the ground. A horticulturist will be taking care of the patches,which will gradually grow and spread. This would not only make the area look better and greener,but also give a place to visually challenged children to play,” says Mukerji.

The programme comprises two projects corresponding to social responsibility (EGO Project) and its environmental stewardship (ECO Project). Under EGO project – protection for children,nutrition,co-development and health will be taken care of and under ECO Project – energy,water,waste and bio-diversity will be looked after.

“Earth Guest Day celebrations highlight a global effort in creating a better environment for our planet and our cohabitants. Many efforts and initiatives are on an ongoing basis and not just limited to one day,” Mukerji afiirms.