Last updated: 18 Nov, 2020

Green Acres

Auroville’s success in ecology, afforestation and organic farming is one of the most visible signs to the world of its progress, evolution, and contributions. Today 60% of the Green Belt surrounding the City still needs to be purchased.
For decades, greenworkers expected that co-existence and collaboration through projects with the village landowners who continued to farm the traditional ecological way would create an eco-zone, regardless of ownership. However, times have changed drastically in the past 10 years - “the Auroville Area” is targeted by speculators, and the village population is exploding due to mass migration to cities such as nearby Pondicherry. Well over a dozen developments that are incongruous with Auroville’s spirit already scar the Greenbelt. Over-exploitation of fragile natural resources is bound to affect Auroville and its bio-region rather soon.
The GreenAcres Campaign aims at securing 20 plots crucial for the immediate future of the Greenbelt. Auroville’s Land Board has worked hard to update data, resulting in clarifying priorities in land purchase. The GreenAcres has been designed according to the landboards priorities, and land acquisitions will have maximum impact on Auroville’s greenbelt. GreenAcres plots will actively support expansion of existing and creation of new Auroville eco developments. 

The Auroville Greenbelt is a well-established Resource Center for eco-activities with projects ranging from organic farming, afforestation, biodiversity, watershed and food security, to waste recycling, ecological building, sustainable transport, solar and wind energy, and more. 

The Auroville Green Portal: 
 https://land.auroville.org/campaigns/green-acres/
presents a multimedia insight into some of the ongoing activities. We wish to strengthen its physical base by enhancing existing projects and starting new ones. There are detailed project proposals presented in the donor login of GreenAcres.   


Auroville’s land and all assets are legally held by the Auroville Foundation by virtue of the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988 passed by the Parliament of India.

The Master Plan of Auroville has been approved by the Town & Country Planning Organisation, Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, and subsequently published in Part III of the Gazette of India. Hence, the land foreseen for Auroville’s master plan area could be acquired under the Land Acquisition Act.

The Secretary of the Auroville Foundation acts as Estate Manager under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. 


How to donate to GreenAcres & tax-deductibility possibilities

It’s easy to donate to GreenAcres by check, bank transfer, or online by credit or debit card
…and you may be eligible for a tax deduction for your contribution!!

Donations are used exclusively by Auroville’s Land Board for purchasing missing Master Plan plots

FOR INDIAN DONORS WHO WISH TO RECEIVE A TAX DEDUCTION

donations made within India only (section 80G of the Income Tax Act)

  • BY CHECK to Auroville Unity Fund, Town Hall, 605101 Auroville, Tamil Nadu
    with a note specifying “Donation for GreenAcres” and requesting the exemption
  • BY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD via the Auroville Donation Gateway
    https://donations.auroville.com

Using the button: “Land Purchase - "GREENACRES" (Greenbelt area only)
and with a request for the tax exemption in the Message Box

  • BY BANK TRANSFER to Auroville Unity Fund, State Bank of India, Auroville Township
    Branch Code: SBIN003160 IFS Code: SBIN0003160
    Specifying “Donation for GreenAcres”

– for 50% tax-exempt receipts – donations of Rs. 500 to Rs. 999 Account No: 10237876031
(and for ordinary receipts)
– for 100% tax-exempt receipts – donations of Rs 1000 or more Account No: 31612623238

TAX DEDUCTIONS THROUGH AN AUROVILLE INTERNATIONAL CENTER

via the AVI centre of the country where you are a taxpayer
In all cases, please specify “DONATION FOR GREENACRES” & request your tax receipt

Canada: http://aurovillecanada.org/joining/
contact@aurovillecanada.org
Deutschland www.auroville.de/index.php/uberuns/spenden
info@auroville.de
Netherlands www.auroville.nu/donatie
penningmeester@auroville.nu
United Kingdom www.aviuk.org/fundraising.htm
info@aviuk.org
USA https://aviusa.org/donations
info@aviusa.org
For other centers, please consult www.auroville-international.org
info@auroville-international.org

BANK TRANSFERS in general – specifying “Donation for GREENACRES
To: Auroville Unity Fund, State Bank of India, Auroville Township Branch Code: SBIN003160
For non-Indian donors & Indian donors not wishing a tax receipt:
Swift Code: SBININBB474 Account No: 10237876508

BY CHECK in general – specifying “Donation for GREENACRES
To: Auroville Unity Fund, Town Hall, 605101 Auroville TN, India

ONLINE DONATIONS BY CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD in general
via the Auroville Donation Gateway https://donations.auroville.com/
Using the button: “Land Purchase – GreenAcres (greenbelt area only)

Donations are used exclusively by Auroville’s Land Board for purchasing missing Master Plan plots in the greenbelt
We thank you for your support and solidarity!
Info: https://land.auroville.org/campaigns/green-acres/
contact : greenacres@auroville.org.in

A campaign of ‘Lands for Auroville Unified’ LFAU

Download Green_Acres_flyer_french_2016_rév_S.pdf
Download Green_Acres_flyer_15_August_2016.pdf
https:player.vimeo.com/video/143531655
Enter the video url