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Top CSR Initiatives in Visakhapatnam

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The CSR Journal

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April 17, 2025

Vizag

Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag is a port city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is blessed for its natural harbour, attracting a flourishing shipping industry within its borders. In order to further promote the industries, the government has set up special economic zones in the port city, which attracts a lot of business investment, which further inspires CSR investment in Vizag.

In FY2022-23, Vishakhapatnam was the fourth highest recipient of CSR funds in Andhra Pradesh. The district received Rs 119.39 crore through various CSR initiatives in the given financial year. The top three areas of focus for the CSR programs were: health, education and environment with respective spending of Rs 45.87 crore, Rs 33.08 crore, and Rs 26.66 crore.

Top Companies for CSR in Visakhapatnam

WNS Holdings Limited

WNS (Holdings) Limited, a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) services, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, WNS Cares Foundation (WCF) has launched mobile libraries in various cities including Vizag. With a fleet of eight vans now, WCF will reach out to over 8,000 children through the mobile libraries in underserved areas across Mumbai, Chennai, Nashik, Pune and Vizag.

“Despite all the progress the countryhas made, there are still areas where children are unable to attend school for various reasons. To help these children, we introduced the concept of mobile library in 2014, and I am delighted to see that it is creating a huge impact, and now reaching out to over 8,000 children in 5 cities. At WCF, our mission is to revolutionize the concept of holistic learning across the globe and eliminate the divide that exists,” said Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS.

WCF refurbishes old vans and converts them into ‘libraries on wheels’. Each van is stationed at an underserved location in the city carrying over 2,500 books in different languages. A teacher travels with each mobile library to teach the basic academic concepts to children. The mobile libraries are equipped with a solar inverter, a water dispenser and an umbrella for the kids to spread out. In addition to this, the van also has a computer-supported by a 4G internet dongle with the purpose to expose the children to the world of technology and give access to more reading material. WCF volunteers also travel with the mobile library and conduct other WCF programs for these children.

Asian Paints

Safar is a healthcare initiative directed towards improving health awareness and correcting the lifestyle habits of truckers. They also get medical care facilities that is both consultative and curative in nature. The project uses mass communication techniques like nukkad natak (street plays), games, interpersonal communication sessions and films to spread awareness on various health issues like ergonomic illnesses, skin diseases and gastritis, among others targeting truck drivers. The initiative is running across seven manufacturing locations including Vizag.

Ola

As part of its nationwide CSR initiative, ‘Drive the Driver’ Fund, Ola Foundation, the social arm of Ola, has partnered with Robin Hood Army to deliver over 25 lakh free meals to driver-partners and their families across 20 cities, including Visakhapatnam. The meal distribution drive has so far provided 1 crore meals for this community thereby benefiting thousands of households across the country. A volunteer-based organisation committed to eradicating hunger, the Robin Hood Army will collaborate with Ola for the on-ground implementation of this activity. The non-profit through its self-sustained network of chapters are in charge of distributing the meals to the driver-partner and their families.

GAIL

Enabling and empowering the marginalized, so that they become agents of change lies at the very heart of GAIL’s Skill development centric initiatives. The PSU is currently supporting the establishment and operation of 6 Skill development Institutes in Raebareli (UP), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Kochi (Kerala), Vizag (Andhra Pradesh), Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Guwahati (Assam), jointly promoting it with other PSUs. A total of 2322 candidates have been trained in the 06 SDIs through GAIL’s proportional contribution of Rs. 23 crores in FY 2019-20.

Mahendra Hembram Freed After 25 Years for Role in Graham Staines’ Murder, VHP Says Good Day for Us

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April 17, 2025

Mahendra Hembram, one of the individuals convicted in the gruesome 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons, was released from Keonjhar jail in Odisha after serving 25 years. The triple murder, in which Staines, 58, and his sons Philip (10) and Timothy (7) were burned alive in a station wagon in Manoharpur village, shocked India and drew widespread international condemnation.

Hembram, now 50, was among the 14 people accused of involvement in the crime. He, alongside Dara Singh, was convicted for playing a role in the attack that occurred on the night of January 21, 1999. While Singh was considered the leader of the mob, Hembram was sentenced to life imprisonment for his participation.

On Thursday, Hembram’s release was confirmed by jail authorities. According to Jailer Manaswini Naik, Hembram’s release followed a decision by the State Sentence Review Board, which approved his freedom based on good conduct during his time in prison. Hembram’s release comes after serving 25 years, aligning with rules that allow the release of convicts after 14 years for those who show good behaviour.

Hembram’s Bail has Ignited Backlash from Opposition

However, Hembram’s release has sparked a significant outcry from opposition politicians. Congress leader Manickam Tagore expressed outrage, condemning the decision as a “dark stain on Indian justice.” He criticised the release of a man who, in his view, was responsible for a hate-driven act of violence that resulted in the deaths of two innocent children. Tagore questioned what message the Indian justice system was sending by releasing Hembram.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu nationalist organisation linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), welcomed Hembram’s release. Kedar Dash, VHP’s joint secretary, referred to the decision as a “good day” and expressed approval of the government’s actions, aligning with the group’s ideological stance.

Hembram, upon his release, spoke to reporters, maintaining that he had been falsely implicated in the case. He claimed the incident was tied to allegations of religious conversion. “I spent 25 years in jail after being falsely implicated in an incident related to religious conversion,” Hembram stated. His remarks reflect the controversial nature of the case, which remains a point of debate in Indian politics and society.

How the Staines and his Sons were Killed?

The tragic killings of Staines and his sons occurred when the family was sleeping in their vehicle outside a church in Odisha’s Manoharpur. A mob attacked the vehicle, setting it on fire, and the family was unable to escape. The killings were believed to be motivated by tensions surrounding religious conversions, with Staines having worked with leprosy patients in the region. The crime generated massive outrage worldwide and prompted an investigation by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Hembram’s co-convict, Dara Singh, was initially sentenced to death for his role in the attack, but his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment by the Orissa High Court in 2005. Singh, who also faces charges in other criminal cases, has recently appealed for his release, citing precedents such as the Supreme Court’s order in the case of A.G. Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Singh remains in prison, but his lawyer is pursuing a petition for his release.

After the murders, 51 individuals were arrested, and 14 were convicted in the case. Over time, 12 of the accused were acquitted, leading to questions about the case’s investigation and the strength of the evidence presented. Despite the controversy, Hembram’s release marks the end of a long prison sentence for his role in one of the most notorious crimes in modern Indian history.

The issue has reignited a national debate about justice, punishment, and the rehabilitation of prisoners, particularly those involved in high-profile cases with religious overtones. For some, Hembram’s release is a sign of the legal system’s commitment to rehabilitation, while for others, it remains a deeply troubling decision that raises concerns about the message it sends regarding the severity of hate-motivated crimes.

Kandivali Housing Society members booked for dumping 15-20 stray dogs in Aarey forest

By

Ahana Bhattacharya

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April 17, 2025

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, members of a housing society in Kandivali (East) allegedly dumped 15 to 20 stray dogs, including puppies, deep inside the Aarey forest on Sunday. Mumbai Police has filed a criminal complaint against four members of Samarth Nagar Cooperative Housing Society, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS).

The accused named in the complaint are Divya Vichare, Ravi Jodvekar, Nitin Alkunde, and Rohit Sawant, residents of the society as per reports. Samta Nagar police station is currently investigating the case. The stray dogs and puppies were allegedly picked up from a location near an SRA building in Kandivali East and then released in a forested patch at Aarey.

Video viral on social media

A video has gone viral on social media showing a group of stray dogs and puppies being relocated via a small goods carrier to Aarey Milk Colony. The video has left animal lovers disturbed and agitated. Members of NGOs working for the welfare of stray animals visited Aarey on Tuesday night and Wednesday. They managed to rescue five dogs and a puppy and recovered the dead bodies of two puppies, suspected to have been killed by a wild animal.

Animal rights activists, who reached Aarey on Tuesday evening after seeing a video of a mini truck dropping the animals in the forest, rescued one dog that night. On Wednesday, they went back and rescued nine animals, including a puppy. Three pups were found dead with bite marks suspected to be those of a leopard. Rescuers fear that the other puppies could have been killed and eaten up by the leopards.

Aarey Colony — territory of leopards

Reshma Shelatkar, an animal rights activist who reached the forest on Tuesday evening, said that she suspects that stray animals and pets are regularly abandoned in the area. “I feed stray dogs whenever I visit the area. I see new dogs every time, and they seem to vanish the next time I go there. They are probably being picked up by leopards,” said Shelatkar. “There are hardly any stray dogs in Aarey because it is leopard territory.”

Animal lovers shocked and disturbed

The incident has left animal lovers across the nation disturbed who want severe punishment for the perpetrators and stricter laws for animal cruelty in India.

“It is deeply disturbing and condemnable that dogs were deliberately abandoned in leopard-inhabited areas—left to die as bait or in fear. This heartless act reflects a shocking lack of humanity and awareness. Relocating or abandoning animals like this is not only cruel but also illegal. It endangers both wildlife and domestic animals and must be treated as a serious offense. Authorities must investigate and hold those responsible accountable. This is not just a violation of animal rights—I believe it is a moral failure,” Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-based wildlife rescuer Ashish Joshi told The CSR Journal.

Vizhinjam Port Set for Grand Launch by PM Modi on May 2

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April 17, 2025

India is poised to witness the commissioning of a landmark infrastructure project as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on May 2, 2025. This will mark the formal unveiling of the country’s first deep-sea transshipment terminal, which is expected to revolutionise maritime logistics and trade connectivity in the region.

Vizhinjam Port Gains Edge with Strategic Location

The Vizhinjam port holds a strategic advantage due to its proximity just 10 nautical miles to the major East-West international shipping corridor. This vital route facilitates cargo movement between Europe, Southeast Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East, making the port an ideal gateway for global trade. Unlike many other ports in the region, Vizhinjam’s naturally deep waters and steep continental shelf allow it to host large container vessels without the need for continuous dredging, making operations more cost-efficient.

Although commercial activity at the port had already begun in December 2024 after successful trial runs, the official inauguration had been deferred to accommodate the Prime Minister’s schedule. Since the soft launch, the port has handled more than 250 vessels and processed over 5 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), signaling its potential as a major logistics hub.

Rs 7,500 Crore Port Built Via PPP, Major Investments Ahead

The Rs 7,500 crore port project is being implemented under a public-private partnership model, with the Kerala government partnering with the Adani Group. The concessionaire, Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), began construction back in December 2015. So far, the Adani Group has invested about Rs 4,500 crore, with plans to inject another Rs 9,500 crore into Phase II and III developments, which are projected to be completed by 2028.

Security agencies are leaving no stone unturned in preparation for the Prime Minister’s visit. The Kerala Police, in coordination with the Special Protection Group (SPG), is setting up a comprehensive security framework. The Prime Minister’s Office has already issued a formal communication confirming his participation in the event, which will also be attended by key dignitaries including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and industrialist Gautam Adani.

Centre, State Resolve VGF Row with Rs 817.80 Cr Support Deal

One of the major milestones ahead of the inauguration was the resolution of a long-pending dispute over the Viability Gap Fund (VGF). A tripartite agreement was signed on April 9 among the central government, AVPPL, and the consortium of lending banks. As per the agreement, the Centre will contribute Rs 817.80 crore towards the project’s viability, while the state government has agreed to share 20% of the port’s revenue with the Union government.

Notably, Vizhinjam is the first Greenfield port project in India to be initiated by a state government. With a projected investment of over Rs 18,000 crore across all phases, this port is expected to play a transformative role in boosting India’s shipping capacity and placing Kerala on the global maritime map.

Hurt by communal unrest, Bengal’s temple restorer Yasin Pathan to return Presidential honour

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April 17, 2025

Hurt by the recent outbreak of communal unrest in several parts of West Bengal, a 76-year-old Muslim man has decided to return the prestigious award conferred upon him by former President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to restoring 42 once-collapsing Hindu temples in East Midnapore district.

Born into a Muslim family in Hatihalka village near Pathra in West Midnapore, Yasin Pathan found his calling in preserving India’s rich heritage, far beyond the confines of religious boundaries. Since childhood, he dedicated his life to restoring ancient Hindu temples in East Midnapore district—an unusual mission that invited criticism from both Hindu and Muslim extremists, yet never deterred him.

Just a few kilometers from Midnapore town, on the peaceful banks of the Kangsabati River, stand 42 temple structures built with Makra stone and adorned with terracotta art. Once on the verge of collapse, these temples now stand tall, thanks to Yasin’s unwavering effort. His work gave rise to ‘Mandirmay Pathra’, a spiritual and historical gem brought back to life.

National Recognition: The Kabir Samman

In 1994, Yasin’s remarkable commitment to cultural preservation and communal harmony earned him the prestigious Kabir Samman, presented by then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. It was a moment of national acknowledgment for a man who had quietly sown seeds of peace through preservation.

A Heartbreaking Decision

Now 76, Yasin is disheartened by the recent surge of communal violence in various parts of West Bengal. Disturbed and grieving, he has announced his decision to return the Kabir Samman. In a poignant message shared on social media, he wrote:

“I have made a big mistake by preserving 42 ancient temple structures that had remained destroyed for 52 years. Forgive me, merciful God-Allah!”

His message reflected not regret, but deep sorrow at the current state of religious discord.

For Yasin, Pathra was more than a village—it was a mission. His belief in interfaith unity led him to Delhi, where he petitioned for restoration funds. His passionate plea moved Pranab Mukherjee, then Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, to sanction Rs 20 lakhs. The Archaeological Survey of India began work in 1998, and by 2003, 34 temple structures were restored, largely due to his initiative.

Fear Replaces Faith

Once fearless, Yasin is now gripped by anxiety. Viral videos of recent communal clashes have shaken him deeply. A play based on his life is set to be staged on May 3 in Ashoknagar, South 24 Parganas, but for the first time, Yasin has refused to attend.

“I will not attend the event,” he said softly, his voice heavy with pain.
Yasin Pathan’s decision to return the Kabir Samman is more than a personal act—it is a symbolic protest. A heartbreaking reminder that the very harmony he spent his life nurturing is now crumbling before his eyes. His life’s work stands as a testament to unity, even as he mourns the divisions that now plague the land he loved.

CSR News: Reverse Vending Machines Installed in Puri to Advance Responsible Plastic Collection

By

The CSR Journal

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April 17, 2025

Odisha, India: In a step towards enabling responsible waste collection, Coca-Cola India today announced the installation of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at key public locations across Puri, Odisha. These RVMs are designed to incentivize plastic bottle collection and recycling through an easy-to-use, tech-enabled experience for citizens.

This launch follows a series of collaborative initiatives in the state, including a large-scale plastic recovery and public awareness drive during the Puri Rath Yatra. This is a step forward in Coca-Cola’s vision to use more recycled material in primary packaging, support effective collection systems and promote responsible consumer behaviour.

“Maintaining cleanliness in Puri is a shared responsibility that requires strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders,” said Shri Abhimanyu Behera, Executive Officer, Puri Municipality during the inauguration of the project. “We appreciate the efforts of Coca-Cola India and its partners in supporting waste management and recycling through technology and public participation. Initiatives like this not only enhance civic engagement but also set a precedent for other cities to follow.”

“Waste management requires long-term collaboration between industry, citizens, and government,” said Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director, Sustainability and CSR, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia. “By introducing reverse vending machines in Puri, we’re enabling people to take simple yet meaningful steps to make recycling part of everyday behaviour. This effort complements our ongoing public awareness campaign, Maidaan Saaf, which encourages collective responsibility and action around recycling and waste management.”

Installed by Biocrux India Pvt. Ltd., the RVMs are designed to compact used plastic bottles, reducing their volume by up to 70% and storing up to 800 bottles before collection. The machines are digitally enabled, offering users reward points for every deposit via the Biocrux mobile app, which can be redeemed for discounts on Coca-Cola India products on the app itself. The collected plastic is then responsibly recycled into new materials such as clothing, bags, and secondary packaging. The units are integrated with a centralized dashboard to enable remote performance monitoring and feature digital display screens that promote environmental education and encourage community participation.

In 2024, during the annual Rath Yatra, HCCB, in partnership with Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation, Odisha’s State Pollution Control Board, Puri Municipality, and civil society organizations, led a significant plastic recovery initiative. Through the support of volunteers, dedicated collection zones, and citizen engagement, the program reinforced the city’s waste management capabilities and advanced community education on recycling and sustainability. These initiatives are part of Coca-Cola’s global Partner to Collect ambition, under its broader sustainability goals — a commitment to strengthening packaging recovery by investing in well-designed collection systems and increasing the use of recycled content in primary packaging. In India, the company is working closely with its partners to improve plastic collection rates across the country.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Show us how you will restore the land or senior bureaucrats could face “temporary imprisonment”: Supreme Court to Telangana over deforestation

By

Ahana Bhattacharya

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April 17, 2025

In a major step towards environmental conservation, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Telangana government to submit a concrete plan within four weeks to restore 100 acres of ecologically sensitive land cleared in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area.

The apex court warned that senior bureaucrats could face “temporary imprisonment” for non-compliance. The court made it clear that in the meantime, not even a single tree should be felled in the subject area.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 15.

“Pursuant to our order, the CEC has inspected the spot and submitted report. Dr Singhvi, appearing on behalf of respondent-state, states that report is voluminous and State would take some time to respond. Four weeks’ time is granted to the state to file its reply. In the meantime, we direct the Wildlife Warden of Telangana to examine and put into effect immediate steps that are required to be undertaken to protect the wildlife which has been affected on account of the deforestation in the 100 acres”, mentions the order as reported by Live Law.

Supreme Court slams Telangana for Justifying Deforestation

The apex court slammed the Telangana Government for trying to justify tree felling across 100 acres of the 400-acre ecologically sensitive Kancha Gachibowli near the Hyderabad Central University in violation of environmental norms. The state’s argument that trees felled were under “exempted species like Subabul and Eucalyptus” and it did not require prior permission to cut them was rejected by the Supreme Court.

An immediate halt on the ongoing deforestation was ordered by a bench led by Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih. The bench directed that urgent measures should be taken to protect the wildlife which has been displaced due to deforestation. The court clearly stated that any attempts to justify the deforestation could result in “temporary prison” for responsible officials.

“If you want to save your chief secretary and senior bureaucrats from going to prison, show us how you will restore the land,” the bench said.

Justice Gavai referenced video evidence showing bulldozers uprooting 30-ft-tall trees and herbivores like spotted deer fleeing into residential areas, where they were mauled by stray dogs. “Your officers will face contempt if one more tree falls,” the apex court warned. It directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to personally monitor the site.

Reason behind Gachibowli deforestation

The disputed land, part of a 400-acre parcel controversially transferred from Hyderabad University to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for IT infrastructure development, has become a topic of dispute between environmentalists, political parties, and developers. The proposed IT Park – projected to attract Rs 50,000 crore investments and create 5 lakh jobs – has ignited fierce debates ahead of Telangana elections in 2025.

During the April 16 hearing, the SC bench criticised the state for deploying 50 earthmovers between March 30 and April 2 to clear vegetation without environmental clearances, calling it “a calculated attempt to circumvent scrutiny.”

Justification by Telangana

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Telangana, said the state felled only trees classified as exempted species under the Telangana Water Land and Trees Act, 2002. He said as per the law, if any owner desires to fell the exempted species, a mere self-certification submitted before the forest divisional officer in a pre-prescribed format is adequate.

Replying to this, the apex court stated that to fell trees even in private forests, permission has to be sought from the court. “We are not bothered by anything else. We are only concerned with the damage to the environment. Any enactment or interpretation that falls foul of this Court’s December 12, 1996, order will not be tolerated. We were shocked to see visuals of animals running for shelter. We were told some were even attacked by stray dogs,” said the court.

Media reports highlighting alarming Deforestation in Telangana

Supreme Court’s intervention in the case came after media reports highlighted an alarming large-scale Deforestation in Telangana. The reports suggested that authorities took advantage of the long weekend in the first week of April to quickly carry out the deforestation, threatening the habitat of at least eight scheduled animal species.

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