Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. Known as the “Varanasi of the Hills” due to its myriad temples and vibrant festivities, Mandi is not only a hub of religious fervor but also a burgeoning center of social responsibility. Mandi is currently in news due to the political landscape, as renowned Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut is slated to contest in the general elections of 2024 from Mandi under the BJP banner.
In fiscal year 2021-2022, Mandi district received a total of Rs. 4.79 crore from seven companies in CSR initiatives. These funds have been instrumental in driving positive change across various sectors within the region. Notably, the top three sectors of focus for CSR initiatives in the district were Environment, Education, and Health, which received Rs. 2.61 crore, Rs. 1.7 crore, and Rs. 0.18 crore, respectively. This targeted allocation reflects a concerted effort towards addressing critical needs and promoting sustainable development. Leading the charge as the top spender in the district was HDFC Bank Limited, contributing a substantial Rs. 4.25 crore towards various CSR projects. This significant investment underscores the commitment of corporate entities towards uplifting communities and fostering holistic growth in Mandi.
With this, let us take an opportunity to shed a spotlight on the CSR landscape in the district.
Project Cheer-Urja
Project Cheer-Urja is an environmental sustainability initiative of Canara HSBC Life Insurance, in collaboration with Ashray Foundation. The project has initiated the production of green energy from pine needles in the form of briquettes, a type of biofuel. The production unit has been set up in Tepar village, Panarsa, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.
The project addresses multiple social and environmental challenges simultaneously by harnessing the potential of pine needles. At its heart, this project thrives on the strength of local community women and self-help groups, elevating them as pillars of sustainable change.
With technical support from IIT Mandi, the unit produces 4 tons of briquettes in 8 hours, positively impacting the environment. The project’s holistic approach includes capacity building for self-help groups, youth engagement, and financial awareness, making it a beacon of sustainable community development.
The project is a transformative approach towards providing local livelihoods through pine needle collection and skill-enhancement. Through conversion of pine needles into clean biofuel, the project not only plans to extinguish forest fires but also safeguard precious natural resources, ensuring biodiversity conservation and climate sustainability.
The collaboration with Canara HSBC Life Insurance signifies a joint commitment to environmental preservation and development of Himachal Pradesh. By harnessing the potential of pine needles, which are often seen as waste, the project is empowering women and creating lasting job opportunities within the city.
Himachal Pradesh Rural Drinking Water Improvement and Livelihood Project
The Himachal Pradesh Rural Drinking Water Improvement and Livelihood Project is an initiative supported by the Asian Development Bank. The project aims to provide safe, sustainable, gender-responsive, and inclusive rural water supply and rural sanitation services for about 620,000 people in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi.
Key aspects of the project include:
– Upgrading Rural Water Schemes: The project aims to upgrade existing rural water schemes to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
– Smart Water Management Practices: The project is set to introduce smart water management practices to ensure the effective management of new and rehabilitated water supply assets.
– Inclusive Sanitation Program: The project is to implement an inclusive sanitation program in Sirmaur District to ensure that fecal sludge is safely managed and treated before disposal.
The project is a significant step towards improving the quality of life in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh by addressing water-related issues and promoting sustainable practices.
