Kutch is the largest district in India. It is, in fact, larger than some of the smaller states of the country. The region is mostly arid, with a major part of it covered by the salt desert. The world knew about Kutch because of the natural disasters it has to bear ever so often. In 2001, the region was hit with a major earthquake that caused devastating loss of life and property for the residents. Cyclones and droughts are very common in the region.
In the last few years, the region has gained a lot of popularity across the globe for its coveted Rann Utsav, occurring during winters in the salt flats. Recently, PM Narendra Modi visited the district to inaugurate ‘Smritivan’, the earthquake memorial museum, which is a world-class museum comparable to the museum built in the US and Japan for preserving the memory of the World Trade Centre attack and nuclear war, respectively. The monument has gained a lot of popularity in a short period.
In FY2022-23, the district was the recipient of some of the lowest CSR funds, amounting to Rs. 7 lakhs from only 2 companies. The two spenders in Kutch in FY23 were Nuwama Wealth Finance Limited with a spending of Rs. 6 lakhs, and Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited with a spending of Rs. 1 lakh.
Companies for CSR in Kutch
Tata Power
Known for its arid climate, erratic rainfall, and lack of irrigation means, the western most district of India–Kutch–has been a cause of woe for farmers, as it hampers agricultural practices. As a panacea to this struggle, Tata Power Mundra Thermal Power Station has set up one of India’s largest traditional (desi) seed banks. The native seed bank is benefitting the farmers and people from the community and bringing a drastic improvement in their lives while also providing them with a livelihood-linked ecosystem for more holistic growth. Initiative in alignment with Indian agri- tech practices empowering farmer groups. The Company pursued the campaign for “Seed Bank” intending to conserve, preserve and promote the native varieties of Seeds for various crops & fodders for an arid region like Kutch to address the climate change impact and ensure crop sustainability. To implement the initiative, Tata Power Mundra has closely been working with Kutch Fodder Fruit & Forest Development Trust ( KFFFDT).
Taking cognizance of the farming situation in the region and the problems of the farmers, Tata Power, Mundra launched the “Desi Beej Bank” program which has become one of the largest Desi (native) Seed Banks and the first of its kind in the Kutch District. The Company created awareness of the program by organizing Desi Beej Rath Yatra in all villages of the region to orient the farmers on several benefits of “Desi Beej”. The farmers were also trained on conservation practices for traditional seeds and about the approach methodology and implementation
These native variety seeds are weather resistant and suitable for the region as it requires less quantity of water, organic fertilizers, and fewer pesticides in comparison to conventional hybrid seeds. Conventional seeds tend to require high chemical-based fertilizer and pesticides which results in a decrease in soil fertility.
The seed banks have been created for the 7 crop varieties- Jowar, Guvar (Major crop), Bajra, Til, Moong, Urad, and Moth. 29,403 Kg of Seeds is available for the coming Kharif Season.
It will cater to the need of 2350 Farmers and a total of 6650 acres of cultivation would be possible during this Kharif season with this bank. Seeds have been provided to farmers at subsidized rates.
In the last few years , desi variety seeds have been collected from the locals during the mass campaign which enabled the farmers to create a source of income by selling the seeds to the seed bank. The farmers anre informed about the benefits of the Seed bank and how it will support and benefit them during a drought or when the availability of the seeds is scarce.
Talking more about the initiative, Mr. A.N. Ramesh, Chief, Tata Power Mundra Thermal Power Station. said, “As an organization, we have consciously undertaken initiatives that ensure holistic and sustainable development of the region and its surrounding communities as well. With the Desi Seed Bank program, we have successfully managed to create one of India’s largest seed banks that will help in solving the problems that arise due to climatic changes. It also helps in conserving the soil for future use and ensures crop sustainability which benefits the local farmers in the long run. In the coming future, we wish to reach out and work with more such communities in remote regions to identify and solve the existing problems by implementing customized strategies & policies in a collaborative manner with like-minded stakeholders and agencies. ”
Welspun India
Welspun India Limited, global leaders of home textile, was recently felicitated with the National Water Award announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. Welspun India won the 1st prize in Best Industry Category. The recognition came on the back of the social and environmental impact made by Welspun’s cutting-edge sewage treatment plant in the drought-prone Kutch district.
Installed in 2016, the 40 MLD sewage treatment plant utilizes the latest wastewater treatment technology to repurpose urban sewage water as high-quality clean water for industrial use, making it one of the first such facility to do so in India. This helped Welspun achieve zero freshwater usage for industrial applications at its manufacturing unit in Anjar while mitigating the environmental and community health impact of the pollution caused by the discharge of untreated urban sewage into the sea. The facility has also provided relief to the local farming community, as the freshwater from the Narmada river previously used for industrial application is now utilized for agricultural purposes.
Ms. Dipali Goenka, Jt. MD & CEO, Welspun India Ltd said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, Welspun India has always been committed to sustainability, environmental consciousness, and community welfare. Our cutting-edge sewage treatment plant in Anjar was designed to operate at the intersection of these three principles. We are delighted that our efforts to eliminate the dependence on freshwater sources for industrial applications has been recognized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It only motivates us to raise the bar even higher.”
Welspun’s project to utilize treated urban sewage water for industrial purposes has received appreciation from key decision-makers at the Ministry of Environment and Forest, as well as the State Pollution Control Board, during the clearance stage. It has also been hailed as the model for all major industrial projects to reduce their ecological footprint and add value to their local communities.
