Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, commonly known as Adani Ports, stands as a pivotal player in the realm of port infrastructure and logistics in India. Established as a subsidiary of the Adani Group, one of the country’s largest conglomerates, Adani Ports has evolved into a leading port operator, managing and developing a network of ports along the Indian coastline. With a strategic focus on fostering economic growth and trade facilitation, Adani Ports plays a crucial role in handling diverse cargo, including containers, bulk, and liquid cargo, contributing significantly to the maritime trade ecosystem. The company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainable practices underscores its position as a key driver of India’s maritime and logistical landscape.
In our series of Spotlighting Indian Conglomerates, this month we are highlighting the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts of the Adani Group of companies, and today, the spotlight is on Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited. Known for its excellence in port infrastructure and logistics, this subsidiary of the Adani Group is equally dedicated to social and environmental responsibility. Let us explore the impactful CSR initiatives led by Adani Ports, emphasising the company’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to the communities it engages with.
CSR of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)
Established in 1996, the Adani Foundation, serving as the community engagement arm of the Adani Group, has consistently focused on making strategic social investments for sustainable outcomes across India. At APSEZ, the commitment to serving society is reflected in its efforts to empower communities, promote social inclusion, and foster equitable growth. The CSR initiatives at APSEZ cover various areas, including Education, Health, Sustainable Livelihoods, Skill Development, and Community Infrastructure, illustrating a steadfast commitment to CSR. By utilising resources, expertise, and collective efforts, APSEZ aims to contribute to meaningful change, address societal challenges, and support sustainable development.
The Adani Foundation is committed to advancing integrated development, focusing on contributing to the well-being and wealth of the communities surrounding Adani businesses and beyond. Operating in 5,753 villages across 19 States and positively impacting 7.3 million lives, the Foundation draws upon extensive experience to advance its initiatives. The holistic approach of the Foundation emphasises equal access to opportunities for every individual, addressing evolving societal needs in areas such as sustainable livelihoods, healthcare, education, nutrition, and environmental conservation. Through its initiatives, particularly those empowering women, the Adani Foundation continues to evolve and respond effectively to the changing dynamics of society.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Adani Foundation demonstrates a commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. By directly contributing to the fulfilment of the SDGs, the Foundation tackles issues such as poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods. Recognising the importance of universal values, including human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples, the Foundation’s holistic approach ensures that environmental considerations, social well-being, and economic development are all taken into account.
APSEZ extends its support to the Adani Foundation through financial contributions made under the CSR mandate. In FY 2022-23, APSEZ spent Rs. 31.88 crore for its CSR initiatives and further made charitable donations of Rs. 5.23 crore, reflecting dedication to creating a positive and inclusive impact on both local and global scales.
1. Education
The Adani Foundation’s commitment to making quality education accessible and affordable has materialized through various initiatives, including cost-free schools like Adani Vidya Mandir and subsidized schools across India. These efforts aim to realize the true potential of children through smart learning programs and projects supporting government schools in remote areas.
One notable institution, Adani Vidya Mandir in Bhadreshwar (Gujarat), was established in 2012 to provide free education to socio-economically marginalized communities, particularly fisherfolk, who are often first-generation learners. Equipped with excellent infrastructure, this school, affiliated with the Gujarat State Education Board, became the first Gujarati medium school in Gujarat to receive NABET accreditation in 2022. Another instance is the Adani Public School in Mundra (Gujarat), established in 2001, serving over 2000 students and showcasing excellence in academics, sports, and value education.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Adani Foundation operates Adani Vidya Mandir and Adani World School in Krishnapatnam, providing free schooling and quality education to underprivileged communities. In Odisha, Adani DAV School in Dhamra, affiliated with CBSE, New Delhi, is run by Adani Foundation in collaboration with DAV College Trust.
The Adani Foundation’s educational initiatives extend to Maharashtra, where various programs in Dighi villages promote learning. These include School Praveshotsav, Adani Evening Education Center (AEEC), and BaLA painting work in Zilla Parishad schools to enhance learning environments.
Project Utthan, launched in July 2018, collaborates with the district administration to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy in government schools. With a focus on individual attention and tailored teaching methodologies, Project Utthan has reached 21,570 students across 162 schools in Mundra, Hazira, Dahej, and Dhamra.
Additionally, the Foundation’s Udaan program organizes exposure tours for students, allowing them to gain practical knowledge about various aspects of port, power, and edible oil refinery business operations. In FY 2022-23, 653 institutes, including schools and colleges, participated in these educational tours, benefitting over 39,000 students.
Furthermore, the Adani Foundation implements the Utthan project in Dhamra, Odisha, in collaboration with Think Zone, following the National Education Policy 2020’s guidelines. The project, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, has shown significant improvements in language and arithmetic scores.
To support higher education, the Foundation provides merit-cum-means scholarships in Dhamra, Odisha, ensuring that deserving students can pursue further studies without financial constraints. The Udaan project, inspired by the Chairman of the Adani Group, Mr. Gautam Adani, focuses on inspiring youth through exposure tours to Adani Group facilities, benefiting thousands of students each year.
2. Healthcare
The Adani Foundation, recognizing healthcare as a fundamental human right, is dedicated to improving access to high-quality preventive and curative services, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities. To reach the most vulnerable populations, the Foundation has implemented a range of initiatives. Mobile Health Care Units (MHCUs) operate in partnership with hospitals and rural clinics, delivering healthcare services equipped with medical professionals, diagnostic equipment, and essential supplies to remote areas with limited access to medical facilities. General and specialized health camps further extend the reach of medical services, offering health check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and awareness campaigns on various health issues.
Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences (GAIMS) in Bhuj stands as a public-private partnership between the Government of Gujarat and Adani Education & Research Foundation. GAIMS is a significant medical college and multi-specialty teaching district hospital, playing a crucial role during the pandemic as a designated Covid treatment center. Additionally, rural clinics and Mobile Health Care Units operate in various port locations, recording significant patient footfalls and reducing travel time for the community.
In Mundra, Gujarat, the Adani Hospital is a 100-bed secondary care facility dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of the local population. The hospital provided essential services to over 46,000 outpatients and 1,800 inpatients during the last year. The Foundation also emphasizes village sanitation programs, such as the one in Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, benefiting 18,000 families by promoting proper solid waste management and sanitary conditions.
Addressing health issues prevalent in Raigad District, Maharashtra, the Adani Foundation initiated an Anaemia Control Program in collaboration with Zilla Parishad. This program includes nutritional care for children, awareness campaigns, capacity building, and training for women and adolescent girls, benefiting a total of 848 participants from 16 villages. Other health initiatives in Dighi, Maharashtra, involve the establishment of a rural clinic, specialized health camps, and potable water provision, significantly impacting the health and well-being of the local population.
In Dahej, Gujarat, the Foundation collaborates with government health departments and Gram Panchayats to organize Multi-specialty Health Camps, addressing health issues and providing basic screening facilities at doorsteps. The comprehensive eye camps in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu, aim to identify and address preventable eye issues, providing better vision for the community. Similarly, in Hazira, Gujarat, Mega Multi-specialized Health Camps cater to the health needs of eight villages, benefitting over 2,400 people.
Collaborating with District Health Departments and local institutions, the Foundation organizes specialized health camps, comprehensive eye camps, and multi-specialty medical health checkup camps across various locations, providing essential healthcare services, screenings, and referrals for further treatment. These initiatives collectively demonstrate the Adani Foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for communities across India.
3. Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods
The Adani Foundation is deeply committed to enhancing social capital and fostering community empowerment through a diverse range of initiatives designed to establish a self-sustainable ecosystem. The foundation aims to harness the inherent potential of individuals and community resources to drive socio-economic progress, particularly in on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm sectors. The overarching goal is to increase, diversify, and sustain incomes for the benefit of the community.
Sustainable Livelihood Development (SLD) Program
At the forefront of the Foundation’s initiatives is the Sustainable Livelihood Development (SLD) program. This comprehensive program includes projects focused on water conservation, organic farming, and dairy development through strategic animal husbandry endeavors. The Adani Foundation aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, protect natural resources, and enhance productivity within farming communities. Moreover, a strong emphasis is placed on advancing women’s enterprises by providing essential knowledge, skills, and market linkages, empowering women to actively participate in the socio-economic growth of their communities.
Agriculture Initiatives
The Adani Foundation collaborates with farmers to upgrade their skills, empowering them to earn more sustainably. Encouraging the adoption of organic farming, natural manure, and irrigation facilities, the Foundation has witnessed substantial increases in yields and monetary benefits for farmers. Various practices, such as Paddy Line Transplanting, Integrated Crop Management (ICM), and organic farming, have significantly improved agricultural outcomes, benefiting numerous farmers across different regions.
Animal Husbandry Initiatives
The Foundation’s livestock development project, implemented in Mundra, Dhamra, Dahej, and Hazira, aims to create supplementary incomes through animal livestock development. This involves awareness campaigns, training in best animal husbandry practices, cattle development through breeding, fodder development, and vaccination camps. The Foundation’s efforts have positively impacted cattle owners, improving the health and productivity of their livestock and creating socio-economic benefits.
Community Engagement
The Adani Foundation actively engages with communities by establishing Farmers’ Clubs, conducting cattle awareness camps, and providing technical guidance for adopting best practices in animal husbandry. Initiatives such as the Kamdhenu project in Dahej and Hazira involve artificial inseminations, dairy development, and the cultivation of green fodder, creating substantial asset value for farmers.
In locations like Vizhinjam, the Foundation’s farm school activities focus on horticultural gardens, honey production, crop museums, vegetable and nutrition gardens, and hi-tech banana farming. Community members and students are oriented to adopt practices that contribute to their self-sustainability.
Overall, the Adani Foundation’s Sustainable Livelihood initiatives exemplify its commitment to fostering economic development, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment across diverse regions in India.
4. Support to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
The Adani Foundation is actively involved in supporting women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and empowering their members. By facilitating the establishment of women’s SHGs and women producers’ groups, the Foundation aims to enhance the income and economic prospects of unorganized SHG members. These initiatives promote collective action and collaboration, creating platforms for women to pool their resources, skills, and knowledge in a supportive and empowering environment.
Mundra Initiatives
In Mundra, the Foundation supported 15 SHGs, benefiting 127 women engaged in various activities such as making tie & dye products, sanitary napkins, moti & dori work, bag/folder making, mud frames, FSSAI-certified dry snacks, phenyl, and washing powder. These activities generated a turnover of H87.98 lakh.
Hazira Initiatives
In Hazira, the Foundation supported SHGs by providing training on bookkeeping. The groups engaged in making cotton batti, rakhi, vegetable and bamboo pickle, contributing to the strengthening of SHGs.
Dahej Initiatives
In Dahej, 9 SHGs benefited 93 women through training and material support, generating revenue of H59.15 lakh through vermicomposting, AMUL parlors, snacks, and cloth masks/bag making.
Dhamra Initiatives
In Dhamra, 12 SHGs and FPCs with 552 members focused on paddy straw mushroom cultivation and processing and paper plate making. They produced 9200 kg of mushrooms valued at H18.40 lakh.
Vizhinjam Initiatives
In Vizhinjam, 109 members of 18 livelihood groups provided various services such as Clean-4-you, harbor canteen, poultry units, non-woven bag unit, fresh vegetable unit, power laundry unit and steam pressing, data entry photocopy, steam-based snacks, You Me & Tea Café, stitching and garments unit, Turn to Fresh organic shop, online services, and more. These groups generated a total revenue of H609.6 lakh.
Project Swavlamban, Mundra (Gujarat)
Project Swavlamban aims to make marginalized people in Mundra financially independent. The Foundation provided training and played a key facilitator role in linking beneficiaries to pension schemes, resulting in a benefit of H243.98 lakh. Additionally, 1487 beneficiaries received one-time support of H281.50 lakh under various schemes.
5. Community Infrastructure Development
Adani Foundation actively worked on community infrastructure development, aligning its activities with the specific needs of the grassroots. Efforts were made to introduce rainwater harvesting, pond deepening, and promote effective utilization of resources through drip irrigation techniques.
RO Water Plants & Upgradation of Community Health Centre, Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
The Foundation recognized the need for potable drinking water and upgraded the community clinic to enhance the quality of free medical care. Four new RO plants and pipeline infrastructure were set up, benefiting 6,000 families.
Water Conservation, Mundra (Gujarat)
In Mundra, rooftop rainwater harvesting structures (RRWHS) were installed, and pond deepening was carried out, contributing to water conservation and groundwater recharge. These measures benefited the local community and improved the groundwater level.
Community Infrastructure Works, Mundra (Gujarat)
Various community infrastructure works were carried out in Mundra, including the construction of houses for fisherfolk families, water tanks, open sheds, renovation of approach roads, and school infrastructure upgrades.
Community Toilets, Kattupalli (Tamil Nadu)
Eight community toilets were constructed in Kattur, benefiting 756 families. The panchayat appointed a person to maintain the toilets, ensuring their proper upkeep.
Drinking Water Facility through RO Plants, Kattupalli (Tamil Nadu)
An RO plant was set up in Kattupalli to address the issue of high salinity, providing potable water to 450 families and neighboring villages. The plant, managed by the panchayat, charges H5 per 20 liters of water.
Construction of Multipurpose Hall at Lakhigam, Dahej (Gujarat)
A multipurpose hall is under construction at Lakhigam, providing facilities for social functions, indoor games, and training. The hall will be accessible to around 5000 people.
Library Work at Thava School, Dahej (Gujarat)
The Foundation supported the construction of a library at Eklavya Sadhana School in Thava, providing a dedicated space for students to prepare for government competitive exams.
Construction of Two Classrooms at Jageshwar Primary School, Dahej (Gujarat)
Two new classrooms were constructed in Jageshwar Primary School to provide a comfortable space for students of standard 1 & 2.
Pond Deepening and Developing Work at Lakhigam, Dahej (Gujarat)
The Foundation supported the construction of a retaining wall for a pond near Ahir Faliya in Lakhigam, facilitating water conservation and ground recharge for the benefit of villagers.
Drinking Water and Road Infrastructure in Dhamra (Odisha)
In Dhamra, the Foundation installed hand pumps with wastewater recharge pits to provide safe drinking water, benefiting 5,100 people directly and 30,600 indirectly. Additionally, road infrastructure projects were undertaken, constructing rigid pavements and installing solar streetlights for safe movement.
Playground in Dhamra (Odisha)
A playground and park avenue were created for school children in Kanak Prasad Primary School in Kanak Prasad village, benefiting 2,000 people directly and 6,000 indirectly. The facility includes a compound wall, solar streetlight, and concrete benches.
6. Environmental Conservation
Mangrove Biodiversity Park: The Adani Foundation has taken significant steps to conserve biodiversity around its plant sites, particularly in Mundra. Initiatives include mangrove conservation, which is vital for the delicate coastal ecosystem. The mangrove cover in Kutch increased from 794.77 km2 to 798.44 km2. The Foundation selected five mangrove species, enhancing the dependent faunal diversity over 16 hectares. Additionally, a 4-hectare coastal stretch was planted with select mangrove species. The Miyawaki technique was employed to plant 5,880 saplings of 42 different species, creating a dense forest around Mundra.
Home Biogas
The Adani Foundation promotes the use of home biogas, providing farmers with an alternative source of renewable energy. In FY 2022-23, the Foundation facilitated 100 farmers to avail biogas systems from the DRDA scheme. Currently, 225 farmers are using home biogas, saving an average of H23,400 for gas and fertilizers. The economic benefit is estimated at H52.65 lakh.
Deployment of Biomass Chulha, Dighi (Maharashtra)
The Foundation promotes the use of biomass chulhas to reduce the drudgery of women. Portable and technically sound chulhas were distributed to 829 households in four gram panchayats. The chulha operates on solid biomass fuel and features a patented air induction mechanism for cleaner combustion and reduced emissions. Families paid a token amount of H500 for the chulha. The initiative resulted in a significant reduction in the quantity of wood used, CO2 emissions, and cooking time.
Efficient Use of Solar Powered Pumps for Irrigation in Bhandut (Hazira, Surat)
The village of Bhandut in Surat district, Gujarat, achieved 100% solar pump-powered irrigation with fifteen 5-HP pumps facilitated by the Adani Foundation. The initiative, executed in collaboration with the gram panchayat and the government’s irrigation department, successfully transitioned from diesel to solar-powered pumps. The solar pump installations have brought about numerous benefits, including substantial savings for farmers by eliminating the need for diesel. This has resulted in annual savings of approximately H1.10 crore, reduced labor costs, and saved working hours. The initiative has also made previously unproductive farmlands accessible due to lack of irrigation. Additionally, the village collectively avoided 2,69,916 kg of emissions per year by eliminating diesel pumps.
7. SAKSHAM (Adani Skill Development Centre)
The Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), a non-profit organization, stands out as India’s pioneering skills training center, offering innovative courses that incorporate cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and augmented reality-based simulators. The training programs cover a diverse range of areas, including digital literacy, general duty assistant (GDA), self-employed tailor and sewing machine operator, beauty therapist, pedicurist, manicurist, and assistant electrician.
Key Features:
1. Technology Integration: ASDC utilizes advanced technologies, including 3D printing and augmented reality-based simulators, to provide hands-on and immersive learning experiences.
2. Diverse Courses: The center offers a variety of courses spanning different sectors, such as IT, healthcare, apparel, beauty and wellness, and construction.
3. Skill Development in Key Sectors: ASDC’s training initiatives aim to equip individuals with expertise and proficiency in crucial sectors, enhancing their employability in today’s dynamic job market.
4. Broad Reach: ASDC has successfully trained more than 1,22,510 individuals across 10 states in 36 customised and 39+ NSDC-approved courses. Approximately 43,500 individuals were trained in port locations, achieving a 65% livelihood ratio.
5. Online Courses: Recognizing the importance of accessibility, ASDC has implemented online courses, ensuring that skill development programs can reach a broader audience. This move enhances the center’s ability to empower individuals in various locations.
6. Empowering Through Skills: ASDC plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals by providing them with valuable skills, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
The Adani Skill Development Centre’s commitment to innovation, technology integration, and a diverse range of courses underscores its dedication to enhancing employability and fostering skill development among individuals across different sectors and geographical locations.
8. Fortune Suposhan
The Fortune SuPoshan project by Adani Foundation integrates the organization’s core focus areas—education, health, and sustainable livelihoods development. This initiative is designed to combat malnutrition and anaemia among specific target groups, including children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers, and women in the reproductive age group. The project employs SuPoshan Sanginis who play a crucial role in spreading awareness, making referrals, and promoting behavioral change within communities.
Key Highlights:
1. Integrated Approach: Fortune SuPoshan project combines efforts in education, health, and sustainable livelihoods to address malnutrition and anaemia comprehensively.
2. Community Engagement: SuPoshan Sanginis are trained individuals who go door-to-door to engage with the community, raising awareness and facilitating behavioral changes. During FY 2022-23, 535 SuPoshan Sanginis reached out to more than 3.09 lakh women and adolescent girls, as well as over 1.30 lakh children.
3. Holistic Development of Fishermen Communities: Adani Foundation focuses on the holistic development of fishermen communities, considering them as crucial elements in the organization’s broader development strategies.
4. Education Support: More than 500 children of fishermen are receiving quality education from pre-primary to higher education. This includes providing access to pre-primary education for 125 students, transportation facilities to Govt. & Adani Vidya Mandir, Bhadreshwar (AVMB) for 33 students, and free schooling at AVMB for 147 students.
5. Scholarship and Coaching Support: Scholarships were provided to 43 students of SMJ School, Luni, and coaching support for 10th examinations benefited 28 students.
6. Employment Opportunities: The foundation supports the fishing community by collaborating with various entities to provide employment opportunities. This includes 194 fishermen and women engaged in contract-based employment at Adani Group Companies, placement of 23 youths in different companies after technical training, and a total of 217 fisherfolks employed with an average monthly income of H14500 per person.
7. Mangrove Plantation and Stitching Work: Collaboration efforts involved 285 fisherfolk engaged in mangrove plant propagation and maintenance work. Additionally, 12 women were trained and engaged in stitching work, receiving orders worth H80,000 to prepare cotton bags.
The Fortune SuPoshan project reflects a comprehensive and community-driven approach to address health and education challenges, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the fishing community. The multi-faceted initiatives encompass education, health awareness, livelihood opportunities, and sustainable practices for the holistic development of the targeted communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adani Ports’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives exemplify a holistic and community-driven approach, embodying a commitment to creating positive and sustainable impacts across diverse sectors. Adani Ports’ CSR initiatives extend beyond mere philanthropy, reflecting a strategic and integrated approach aimed at creating sustainable and positive change. By aligning with national development goals and leveraging collaborations with local communities, Adani Ports is not only fulfilling its corporate responsibility but also contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions it operates in. The comprehensive nature of Adani Ports’ CSR efforts underscores the company’s recognition of its role as a responsible corporate citizen and its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.
