CSR & Sustainability with Holistic Approach by THDC India Ltd

By Vipin Thapliyal, Vijay Sehgal and S.R. Mishra

CSR & Sustainability has acquired a central theme on the agenda of Business Organizations at Global Level today, but have not been able to acquire a centre stage in the realm of corporate strategy. There has been a definite lack of perceptive significance of the concept of CSR and Competitiveness. Embedding of CSR & Sustainability in the business process leads to innovation and ultimately results in competitiveness. Integrating CSR in the strategic management process helps in developing a simple and consistent long term organisational goal and enhances relationships with key stakeholders.

1.0 VISION & MISSION STATEMENT

THDCIL’S CSR Vision and Mission statements are true reflections of its commitment towards the society and environment with human face and transparency.

CSR VISION

Socially responsible corporate, continuously enhancing value creation in society and community and promoting sustainable development.

CSR MISSION

• To build sustainable value based relationship with the key stakeholders through ongoing two way communication.
• To undertake CSR programmes with a human face.
• To transparently share the CSR & Sustainability initiatives with the stakeholders.
• To ensure increased commitment at all levels in the organization to operate its business in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner.
• To directly or indirectly take up CSR programmes that benefit the communities in and around its work centers and over a time result in enhancing the quality of life and economic well being of the local populace.
• To promote inclusive growth and address the basic needs of the deprived, underprivileged, neglected and weaker sections of the society.
• To generate through CSR initiatives, goodwill and pride for THDCIL among stakeholders and help reinforce a positive and socially responsible image of THDCIL as corporate entity.

2.0 CHANGES DUE TO CONSTRUCTION OF TEHRI HYDRO POWER COMPLEX

In general, construction of any infrastructural Project including Hydro Power Project, prima facie affects the ecology, economy and socio cultural aspects in immediate surroundings, which creates new relationships and opportunities for inhabitants. It cannot be presumed that all such changes would be beneficial for local communities or indeed, be perceived positively by them.

To ensure that local communities, who have had to bear considerable costs in terms of socio-economic sacrifices in the course of development of such Projects, also become one of its principal stakeholders. Therefore, an extensive assessment of their expectations, developmental needs and aspirations was necessarily required. In this context, a group of experts conducted a field visit to the affected villages, located around the Project in Pratapnagar Block, Distt. Tehri Garhwal. Baseline survey / need assessment study of the area was carried out through experts of Delhi University & HNB Garhwal University.

3.0 IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM

It was experienced that in normal Govt. Organizational set up, it is difficult to achieve the desired progress in time bound manner. Agencies / NGO’s engaged for CSR & Sustainability projects are not acquainted with the tendering/ competitive bidding process. There were hardly any NGO/ agencies interested in implementing CSR & Sustainability projects through existing competitive bidding system in time bound manner.  Formation of Company Sponsored NGOs have helped THDC in carrying out the CSR works faster & helped in ensuring that the benefit should reach the lowest level.

3.1 THDCIL’s NGO “SEWA-THDC”

Considering all the facts and importance of long term effects, it was felt necessary to evolve an innovative mechanism through which the CSR & Sustainability Projects could be implemented and desired progress be achieved in a time bound /cost effective manner.

For implementation of CSR & Sustainability activities of the Company, THDCIL has formed a company sponsored society namely, “SEWA-THDC” under Society Registration Act, 1860, in March, 2009. Aims and objectives of the society are charitable and non-profitable. The Managing Committee has 07 members nominated by THDCIL’s Board of Directors. CMD THDCIL is the ex- officio Patron of the society.

3.2 THDCIL’s NGO “THDC EDUCATION SOCIETY (TES)”

TES is formed in 1992 to impart education to the children of Project affected population as well as marginalised and under privileged society in the backward district Tehri and Rishikesh.

At present, the society is running three schools under the auspices of TES at Bhagirathipuram, Tehri offering education from 6^th to 12^th standards, at Pragatipuram, Rishikesh offering education from 1^st to 10^th and at Koteshwer offering education from 1^st to 8^th standards respectively.  Main beneficiaries of above schools are nearby children belonging to economically weaker sections including backward and SC/ST categories.

4.0 SELECTION OF CSR PROGRAMMES

Thrust of THDCIL’s CSR & Sustainability activities are on capacity building, empowerment of communities, inclusive of socio-economic growth, environment protection, promotion of green and energy efficient technologies, development of backward regions and upliftment of the marginalized and under privileged sections of the society.

Selection of CSR programmes are related to the activities as specified in Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013. The activities are being identified after series of stakeholder meets, baseline & Need Assessment.

Focus areas are as under:

THDC Utthan       –       Rural Development

THDC Niramaya  –       Nutrition, Health and Sanitation and Drinking Water Projects

THDC Prakriti       –       Environment protection initiatives

THDC Jagriti         –       Education initiatives

THDC Daksh         –       Livelihood Generation and Skill development initiatives

THDC Samarth     –      Empowerment initiatives

THDC Saksham    –      Care of the aged and differently abled

5.0  THDC UTTHAN (RURAL DEVELOPMENT)- INNOVATIVE IDEA OF HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT

The community development programmes are identified and formulated based on the specific needs and requirement of the particular location, where the programme is proposed to be launched.

However, taking care of the Project affected families living in remote villages of Backward Tehri District, Base Line Studies, community consultation and expert’s advice, it was envisaged that only holistic development of these remote villages can help the community to sustain in long run. Accordingly, following long term Holistic Development CSR Programmes were initiated:

1. Empowerment and Enhancement of Livelihood of 30 Rim Area Villages of Tehri Dam Reservoir in Pratapnagar Block by Integrated Development Approach through HNB Gharwal University, Srinagar.
2. Ecological Restoration and Socio-economic Empowerment of Rural Communities for Sustainable Livelihood and Resource Management in 10 villages of Upari Ramoli, Pratapnagar Block of Tehri Garhwal through Kirorimal College, Delhi University.
3. Livelihood security programme in 20 villages through farming system approach by Project Directorate for Farming System Research (PDFSR), Modipuram. The program is now being continued through College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Vir Chandra Singh Gharwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry from Jan, 2016 onwards.

5.1 Details of Activities undertaken through these Projects

Activities under these projects have been implemented by establishing Nodal Centres at i. village Deengoan, Pratapnagar Block, ii.  village Bhuniyara in Jakhnidhar Block, iii. Koteshwar, Narendra Block and iv. Village Padagali, Bhilangana Block all located in district Tehri District. Main activities undertaken through holistic rural development programs are:

• Computer Centres & Tailoring cum Knitting Centres are established for skill development and increase of income.
• Vocational trainings are being provided in Hotel Management & Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM).
• Promotion and Strengthening of more than 200 Farmer Self Help Groups (FSHGs) by Revolving fund. After strengthening, individual beneficiary is requested to return the revolving amount in installments and then some other SHG is helped.
• Distribution of hybrid seeds (Potato, Lady finger, Bringle, Tomato, Peas, Ginger, Garlic etc) for promotion of off season vegetable.
• Distribution of Fruit plants Mango, Guava, Annar, Kinnu, Bel, Kathal, Akrot, Badam, Jammun, Litchi etc for income generation & Napier grass (Fodder) plantation for nutritious fodder to Livestock.
• Promotion of health & hygiene facilities
• Promotion of Poly Houses for increased productivity.
• Construction of Vermin Compost pits for promotion of Organic farming.
• Conducting Kisan Ghosties, Exposure visits and demonstration of Agriculture Plots through Experts to know the improved methods & latest Agriculture techniques for increased production.
• Awareness Programmes on “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, Cleanliness, construction of toilet Blocks, distribution of Sanitary Napkins, Yoga Camps etc.
• Coaching programmes for Competitive Exams & Carrier Counseling.
• Promotion of clean energy through distribution of smoke less Chullas.
• Soil & water conservation by constructing Check Dams, construction of recharge pits, Rain water harvesting tanks etc.
• Revival of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

To carry out field related research for various activities Nodal centres/ Research centres were established. Libraries are also established at Deengaon and Bhauniyara centres so that local youth are benefited. Static and mobile healthcare facilities have been planned through these centres. Different types of vocational/awareness trainings are conducted in these centres. It is also planned that these centres will also provide services such as research for technology refinement and frontline demonstrations of the latest agriculture technologies, distribution of good and treated seeds to the farmers. Nodal centres help in training, field demonstrations, providing immediate solutions, keeping close watch on implementation and establishing better communication with the farmers.  In order to encourage learning, quicker replication and dissemination of the successful project from one area to other, capacity building programme   for the villagers are implemented.

5.2 Promotion and Strengthen of Farmer Self Help Groups (FSHGs)

The primary focus of this activity is to enhance the social and financial capital of the poor, women, dalits, and BPL families estimated to be 70% of the project area population. It is observed that women of more than 60 villages are directly involved and benefitted by the SHGs in Pratapnagar, Jakhnidhar, Bhilangana and Koteshwar area. Now they all are accessible to new opportunities such as money saving, Microfinance, loans, getting subsidies, Linkages with banks, Vegetable cultivation and income generation. Through this small saving they meet their emergency need and learn collective decision. By now, these SHGs are able to save approximately Rs. 60 lacs in their account.  Almost all SHG are having separate passbooks. Nearly 100% of FSHG members are trained on social mobilization, credit management and self monitoring. Now we are in a process to form federations or women cooperatives of these FSHGs which will ultimately manage and control the fund and link these SHGs with market and Banks.

 

Agriculture Demonstration Plots

The activity, demonstration of Farms related to Horticulture (Fruits), Food Crops, Herbs, Medicinal Plants, Ginger, off -season vegetables etc was taken up to introduce innovative method of farming and change cropping pattern according to local situation, to educate the people with modern techniques and to motivate other farmers to adopt such techniques.

This type of demonstration helped the farmers to have good produce and enhanced their income. Through Agricultural development it was possible to enhance capacities of the villagers in terms of in implementing the innovative agriculture development activities such as introducing European herbs Oregano, and some other new crops in the villages.

5.4 Bee keeping

Beekeeping contributes to support sustainable livelihood in poor and remote communities and honey bees provide an essential ecosystem services to the villages. Hence, the activity was taken up with interested farmers. Training was given to the selected farmers in bee keeping. Trained farmers take care of boxes and ensure their maintenance apart from supervising honey extraction. Priority has been given to those farmers who are living below poverty line.

Promotion of off seasonal vegetable

This activity was successfully implemented by involving local farmers for growing vegetable. High breed seeds were distributed to the farmers. The families earned at least Rs. 5000/- to Rs. 27000/- from selling these vegetable in local market. Since the local market for off seasonal vegetable is expanding with attractive prices at local level, there is great scope for vegetable production.

5.6  Goat Rearing & Poultry Farming

Realizing the importance of Goat Rearing & Poultry in the agrarian economy, both the activities were introduced for poor farmers. Goat is a multi functional animal and plays a significant role in the economy and nutrition of landless, small and marginal farmers in the country. Goat rearing is an enterprise which has been practiced by a large section of population in rural areas. Goats can efficiently survive on available shrubs and trees in adverse harsh environment, in low fertility lands where no other crop can be grown. The activity contributed to their livelihood.

A project of poultry farming is also being run in Pratapnagar and Thauldhar Blocks of Tehri district. Around 300 poultry units have been developed.

5.7  Expanding and strengthening MMDs for income generation through traditional crops, vegetables and spice marketing

Mahila Mangal Dals (MMDs) can be defined as “self governed, peer controlled information group of women with similar socio-economic background and having a desire to collectively perform for common purpose”. Major aims for the formation of MMDs was to mobilize individual skill for group’s interest, create awareness about right, entrepreneurship development, identify problems, analyzing and finding solutions in the groups, act as a media for socio-economic development of village, develop linkage with institution of NGOs, gain mutual understanding, develop trust and self-confidence and build up teamwork. It is a visible organized setup of poor rural women and is time to time encouraged in entrepreneurial activities. MMDs generally organize regular meetings and discuss women related issues. Common fund is also collected for day to day activities of MMDs.

Establishing Multipurpose Nurseries and Plantation

For improving the biodiversity of the villages and to use the area of land where the forest has been harvested or damaged, plantation activity was taken up. To fulfil the plants requirement in the nearby areas these nurseries were developed with the help of local villagers. For plantation a training workshop was also organized through experts. It was felt that there is a need to increase the level of awareness among the villagers in the development and rehabilitation of waste lands in a sustainable manner through participation in tree plantation activity. This activity also contributed in reducing global warming. Multipurpose nurseries included plants like; Mulberry, Reetha, Lemon, Baanj, Kachnar, Aawla, Bahera, Tun, Padam, Chullu (wild apricot) etc. Over two lacs plants have been planted in last three years.

The Fruit plants are an extremely important natural resource for sustaining livelihoods in the villages. These resources need to be utilized on a sustainable basis in the long run. Keeping this in view, very high quality fruit plants were distributed to the villagers. Species of the fruits distributed to the farmers were; Mango, Guava, Annar, Kinnu, Bel, Kathal, Akrot, Badam, Jammun, Litchi. There is now increasing demand of fruits plants in the villages.

Fodder Demo Plot – Nappier Grass

Fodder shortage is one of the main issues affecting the development of villages of rim area. It leads to both poor quality mulch animals, and the degradation of forests. Given the reality of fodder scarcity in affected villages, the activity “development of fodder plots” was  initiated. Overall, an additional income of Rs. 2500 was generated from fodder grass. Over 500 households are directly or indirectly involved with this activity. With the increased availability of nutritious fodder, the adoption of better preservation and feeding practices, and breed improvement, the average milk yield of cattle is expected to increase from 2.4 litres per animal per day to 04 litres per animal per day.  It is a successful activity reduced workload on women and provides high quality fodder to villagers. It also ensures women involvement in every step.

5.10 Poly Houses

The major benefit of the poly house is that it enhances production and facilitates production of off-season vegetables. One can get production 4 to 5 times in a year. It also gives uniformity in plant growth with good vigor. It also provide quick take off with little or no transplanting shock. Due to all this Poly houses are being established as per the requirement of villagers. 

5.11 Awareness Generation through Kissan Gosthey

Time to time awareness generation camps for the villagers was organized. Experts from different fields provided counselling to women. Counselling sessions were also organized to address the issues and problems of deprived rural population like children, women and vulnerable groups. Kissan Goshties were conducted to give the farmers latest updates and help them having increased produce.

Women have also shown interest in improved smokeless chulla’s. Meetings with farmers were conducted regarding needs to change agriculture and land use patterns to improve income and livelihood. Awareness programmes were also conducted for Legal issues.

 5.12 Latest information and Techniques in crops/vegetable & improving low crop production

Detail information regarding traditional method of agriculture and resources used for different crop production was collected from villagers of concern clusters through expert team of agriculture scientists of PDFSR, Modipuram and problems of villagers were analysed on the basis of soil testing of agricultural land. Necessary information was provided to villagers to improve their soil quality through use of vermin compost, essential fertilizer and nutrients. The latest information and technology in agriculture equipments was provided to villagers who are handy and useful in hilly region and led in cost reduction by crop production through line sowing method of cultivation.

Intervention in Animal Husbandry

In animal husbandry various interventions have been carried out for economic up-liftment of the farmers through increase in milk production. Main interventions are de-worming, medicine for heat inductions, fodder nutrients and mineral mixtures for balance nutrition of mulching animals.

5.13 Establishment of Kissan Clubs & Dairy Farm 

This project is a successful example of dovetailing for cost sharing between the THDC, Agricultural Deptt. of Govt. of Uttarakhand and beneficiaries in the ratio of 40:40:20 respectively. Under the project, total 3 Kissan Clubs have been created in Pathri area of district Haridwar since 2014. Each club has been provided with a tractor and other necessary farm equipments. Clubs provide Tractor and other equipments to farmers on discounted rent as necessary to maintain the facility in sustainable mode.

Two dairies have also been opened since 2015 with providing 10 Jersey cows to each dairy. Farmer’s SHGs have been formulated for Dairies. 

6.0 THDC NIRAMAYA (HEALTH) – NUTRITION, HEALTH, SANITATION AND DRINKING WATER

The terrain being hilly makes accessibility of in the operational area difficult. Despite concerted efforts and offering lucrative terms, State Govt. could not get desired success in posting doctors in hilly areas due to their indifferent attitude towards difficult terrain, poor connectivity, lack of basic amenities etc. People have to travel long distances to cities for receiving proper medical care. The foremost victims are women, adolescent’s girls, children and elderly. Lack of medical services in hilly districts of Uttarakhand is one of the prominent reasons for large scale migration towards cities.

THDCIL is very sensitive to the needs of local community. Medical facilities being major concern has been one of the main activities of THDC’s holistic development agenda. All out efforts are being made to improve the situation especially in remotest part of the operational area under CSR thematic area THDC Niramaya. Main objective of this initiative is to address emergent medical problems of target area having no or inadequate medical facilities and to inculcate health seeking behavior among the communities by providing them enhanced access to medical facilities.

Ways of interventions 

Innovative aspect of the intervention is to make the different treatment options available to the target population in their area itself. Static and periodic health solutions are being provided keeping in view immediate and multi specialty medical requirements of the community. To encourage maximum public participation in Multispecialty Medical Camps, other rural based State Govt. Departments are also associated to be available with their public information/services. Patients identified for eye and other specific surgeries are brought to big hospitals/institutes at Rishikesh with pick up and drop facility and post operation follow up at their place. Following treatment options are being provided:

1. Operation of Allopathic Dispensary
2. Operation of Homeopathic Dispensary

• Organizing Multispecialty Medical Camps

1. Opening Generic Medicine Shop near District Hospital

Sl. No.	Type of Intervention	OPD	Cataract Surgery	Cost of operation/Expenditure (in Lac Rs.)
1.	Allopathic Dispensary	33,488		82.82
2.	Homeopathic Dispensary	5,23,215		83.77
3.	Multispecialty Health Camps	20,143	1649	112.95
		5,76,846	1649	279.54

6.1 OPERATION OF ALLOPATHIC DISPENSARY   

Operation of allopathic dispensary is being carried out in remotest and most needy part of district Tehri Garhwal i.e. Hearwalgaon in Deengaon area since June, 2014. Services of MBBS Doctor have been made available in the dispensary. Trained paramedical Staff has also been posted to assist the doctor and to perform necessary medical procedures. The dispensary has also been made equipped with basic diagnostic facilities including X-ray to avoid dependence on far located medical labs for instant, precise, time and cost effective treatment. The dispensary is also equipped with Minor Operation Theatre facility.

The area has very poor transportation facilities, hence, to avoid odd hour availability crisis, on call ambulance facility has been made available in the dispensary. The facility is quite popular in the area and is considered to be as lifeline by inhabitants of around 40 surrounding villages having more than 13000 beneficiaries. Earlier, the treatment was costly and time taking affair for the local population as they used to travel long distances to access medical facilities available in nearby cities even for small problems, which is now made available at their doorstep and that too is free of cost including medicines except bare minimum operational cost for diagnostic tests and ambulance facility.

ALLOPATHIC DISPENSARY- YEAR WISE PATIENT AND EXPENDITURE DETAIL
Sl. No.	Year	Male	Female	Child	Cost of Operation (in Lac Rs.)
1	2014-15	2043	3661	1820	28.99
2	2015-16	3354	6387	2981	20.30
3	2016-17	3599	6525	3118	33.53
Total		8996	16573	7919	82.82

6.2. Operation of Homeopathic Dispensary

For those do not require immediate treatment or not interested in allopathic treatment have been given another treatment option through homeopathic dispensaries being run through Swaminarayan Mission, a charitable Homeopathic Dispensary, located in Rishikesh. At present, five dispensaries; two in remote villages of backward district Tehri, one at Rishikesh and one each in border districts Uttarkashi and Chamoli are operational with the services of a BHMS Doctor with no fee for consultation and free of cost medicine  at following locations:

15. Galyakhet, District Tehri Garhwal
    ii. Koteshwar, District Tehri Garhwal
    iii. Dhontri, District Uttarkashi
    iv. Shisham Jhari, Rishikesh, District Tehri Garhwal
    v. Alaknandapuram, Pipalkoti, District Chamoli (Since 15.08.16)

Homeopathic Dispensary at Galyakhet (Pokhri)

Feedback from beneficiaries at all locations is quite encouraging, which is also evident from high patient turnout as detailed below:

HOMEOPATHIC DISPENSARY- YEAR WISE PATIENT AND EXPENDITURE DETAIL
Sl. No.	Year	No. of Dispensary	OPD	Cost of operation (in lac Rs.)
1	2009-10	1	14,800	0.40
2	2010-11	1	42,043	1.74
3	2011-12	3	71,697	10.67
4	2012-13	3	79,054	9.71
5	2013-14	3	70,057	10.83
6	2014-15	4	91,274	19.51
7	2015-16	4	84,142	14.88
8	2016-17	5	70,148	16.03
	Total		5,23,215	83.77

Organizing Multispecialty Health Camps

THDC is providing comprehensive medical solutions to its stakeholders beyond treatment available in static centers for allopathic and homeopathic treatment. To address specific treatment requirements of the stakeholders, THDC organizes multispecialty medical cams in remote villages of district Tehri and rural areas of district Haridwar. By now, total 85 such multispecialty medical camps having around 20000 OPDs and 1649 cataract surgeries have been organized. Detail as below:

MULTISPECIALTY MEDICAL CAMPS-  YEAR WISE PATIENT AND EXPENDITURE DETAIL
Sl. No.	Year	No. of camps	OPD	Cataract	Expenditure (in Lac Rs.)
1	2011-12	8	1099	–	4.01
2	2012-13	10	3604	161	6.08
3	2013-14	19	3944	419	13.87
4	2014-15	15	4897	664	45.98
5	2015-16	6	1704	200	9.45
6	2016-17	27	4895	205	33.56
Total		85	20,143	1,649	112.95Most of the camps were organized through Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute (NAEI), Rishikesh and by THDC’s own Doctors. NAEI has 130 bedded state of art eye hospital at Rishikesh performed around 80000 Eye Surgeries since the time of its inception.

Concern of THDC can be understood from the decision that the Management has made it compulsory to all the Doctors on THDC’s pay roll to offer their services in 12 such multispecialty camps every year.  It has also been linked with Doctor’s performance and performance related pay. A team of 05 specialist doctors comprising Physician, Dentist, Gynaecologist, Orthopaedic and Eye specialists along with administrative and supporting staff and feasible onsite test facilities for blood Haemoglobin, blood sugar, urine routine and ECG remain available during the camps. Patients are provided with free transport, medicine, operation facility, post and operation care.

Opening Generic Medicine Shop

Cost of branded medicines is too high in comparison to the generic medicines and is not in easy access of the weaker sections of the society. In larger interest of the economically weaker sections of the society, operation of Generic Medicine Shop has recently been started by THDC in a prime location near District Hospital, New Tehri Town, district Tehri.

Sanitation, Drinking water & Construction of Toilets under Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan

Prominent activities are as under:

• Over all 1188 toilets (1093 upto 31.07.15 & 95 upto Dec,15) are constructed/ repaired in 10 districts of Uttarakhand & UP against 1093 mandate of MOP. Total amount spent is Rs. 8.70 crs
• In addition to above, 75 nos of individual toilets have been constructed for needy/ deprived/ weaker sections at Deengoan the remotest village of Tehri district.
• Provided ROs & water coolers for public use and water filters in schools for Safe drinking water
• Adopted 4 Govt. Primary Schools for cleanliness in Rishikesh

• Creating public awareness through banners & pamphlets
• Carrying out music and essay competition/ debates
• Carrying out street plays/marches/other community activities
• Advertisement through pamphlets/local cable TV/wall writing
• Provided hydraulic Tippers to Municipal Bodies & Dust Bins placed at different location in Tehri & Rishikesh

7.0  THDC PRAKRITI – ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION INITIATIVES

Soil and water conservation activities

Efforts have been made for revival of traditional ecological knowledge/practices by reviving abandoned chal-khals (ponds) used to construct in higher reaches in hilly areas to meet drinking water needs of the chattels as well as recharging streams down slopes. For achieving this, model of famous environmentalist Shri Sachidanand Bharti, successfully implemented in Uffrainkhal Pauri (Garhwal), has been pursued for Stream (Gadhera) Treatment and vegetation regeneration. A comprehensive scheme comprising different water recharge structures like Chal-Khal, Recharge Pits, Trenches, Diversion Drains, Check Dams and vegetation in the periphery of these structures has been implemented.

Water Harvesting Tanks (capacity 3000 liters each) were installed in the project affected villages for rain water harvesting.  Through this activity we were able to store almost 9 lac liter of rain water during monsoon.  

• Promotion of Green & Energy Efficient Technologies

Modernization of Traditional Water Mills (locally known as “Gharats”)

“Gharat” has been a symbol of traditional eco-friendly living of Uttarakhand since ancient times. They are disappearing rapidly being incapable of meeting changing requirements due to lack of improvements in the traditional technology for efficient and multiple use. Under this activity, Gharats have been modernized for multiple use including power generation and efficiency of the Gharats has increased to more than the double. Electricity generation without disturbing the ecology of the area and compatibility of Gharats for multiple uses is an added advantage.

LED based Solar Street Lights

Under this initiative, more than 650 LED based Solar Street Lights have been installed/under progress in Sitarguanj, Dehradun, Haridwar and Tehri districts of Uttarakhand and Unnao and Lucknow in UP. Installation of 170 LED based Solar High Mast Lights is also in progress in Unnao and Lucknow in UP and Sitarganj in Uttarakhand.

Inspection of High Mast Light Store at Unnao and Lights in Lucknow by GM, THDC 

• Plantation

Under this activity, massive plantation of fruit, fodder and fuel species has been done. Activity has been implemented in active participation of the locale beneficiaries especially women farmers. Species selection has also been done in consultation with the beneficiaries keeping in view their requirement, locale climate, geographical & soil conditions etc.

Species planted are as under:

• Bamboo, Kachnar, Sisam, Banj, Padam, Annga, Ritha,, Tun, Subabool, Karik, Dekan, Timala, Neem, Ringal, Moru, Anga, Deodar, Dehu, Gulmohar, Majnu
• Mango, Guava Awala, Bel, Lemon, Pomegranate, Orange, Kinnu, Litchi, Chullu, Mulberry, Jamun , Jackfruit, Akrot, Badam,
• Stevia, Ashwagandha, Har-singar, Putrajeevak, Kadam, Arjun, Allovera, Herer, Bahera, Awala

8.0 THDC JAGRITI – DUCATION INITIATIVES

8.1 Running Schools for deprived/under privileged communities

THDCIL is running three schools for deprived/under privileged communities at three locations i.e. Tehri, Koteshwar & Rishikesh through its society, namely “THDC Education Society (TES)”. These schools have 793 children including 359 Girl students of nearby areas belonging to economically weaker sections including Backward and SC/ST. The schools have 54 well qualified teachers/staff. Nominal fee (Rs. 15/- for classes 1^st to 5^th / Rs. 30/- for classes 6^th to 8^th / Rs. 50 (G) & Rs 100 (B) for classes 9^th & 10^th) is being charged in these schools. School buses, Dress, Mid Day Meal and study material is being provided free of cost. Yearly budget for running of these schools is above Rs. 5.00 crs.

Status of Schools in the Year 2017 

2016-17	Standards	Level of medium	BPL Category		SC/ST/OBC Category Students						Physically Challenged		Total Students
			M	F		SC	ST	OBC	Gen	Total	M	F	M	F
Rishikesh	1st to 10th	Hindi	62	70	Girls	60	Nil	56	71	187	Nil	Nil	187	234
					Boys	87	Nil	94	64	234
					Total					421
Bhagirathi Puram, Tehri	6th to 12th	Hindi	01	03	Girls	44	Nil	Nil	64	109	Nil	Nil	109	102
					Boys	49	Nil	Nil	50	102
					Total					211
Koteshwar	Nursery to 8th	English	19	15		16	Nil	Nil	47	63	01	Nil	98	63
					Boys	23	02	01	72	98
					Total					161

8.2 Establishment of THDC Institute of Hydropower Engineering & Technology

THDCIL has established the first Hydropower Development Institute & Engineering College “THDC Institute of Hydropower Engineering & Technology” in Tehri. The infrastructure includes Administrative Block, 04 Academic Blocks, Equipped Labs & Workshops, Library, Canteen, Girls & Boys Hostels including Mess, Directors & Staff residences etc. The Institute aims to provide a unique experience to the students (Approx 1440) with education and training in the operating power plants as well as in the projects under construction. The Institute has started functioning since 2011 through Uttarakhand Technical University. The cost of the construction is Appr. Rs. 60 Cr.

Panoramic View of Institute

8.3. Infrastructure Support to Govt. Schools

In addition to imparting education through own Schools/Institute, THDC also supports Govt. schools for infrastructure facilities such as constructions of school buildings,  additional class rooms, hostel, furniture (Tables & Benches), Computers, Inverters, water filters etc to various schools. School uniform, sweater, shoes, books & stationary to underprivileged students of various Govt. Inter colleges have also been provided.

9.0 THDC DAKSH- SKILL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

Various awareness and vocational programs are conducted under this initiative. Detail is as under 

9.1 Imparting computer education by establishing centers in Project affected area

Computer education is provided to deprived/under privileged communities presently through 14 centres free of cost with all basic facilities. Since 2009, total 75 courses of six months duration have been conducted. Trainees learn basic computer such as MS word, MS Excel, MS power point, internet etc through these centers and period of training is around 6 months. Approx. 3000 beneficiaries have been benefited through these centers. In addition to this, 120 six months Cutting & Tailoring courses have been conducted for imparting income generation skill to women. More than 5500 women have been benefited from this activity. Main objective of these centers is to upgrade skills and to enable them to start income generation activities on their own or get gainful employment.

9.3 Vocational Education through IL & FS, ANM and ITI

Objective of such programs is to mobilize, motivate and train unemployed youth of project affected areas of Tehri District. Training in Hotel Management, BPO, Hospitality, Electrician etc is provided. Total 114 beneficiaries have been trained & Job has been offered to all the beneficiaries. Around 27 youths of project affected villages have also been sponsored for ITI course. 27 girls have been sponsored for 2 years Auxiliary Nurse & Midwifery course.

Hospitality Training

10. THDC SAMARTH – EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

Establishment of Women Credit Society

To make women self dependent & for meeting their economic needs, apart from regular women empowerment programs, an experimental initiative has been taken to create a credit society exclusively for women in the remotest area of district Tehri Garhwal. Credit society has been established in memory of famous social reformer  “Deepa Mai” and registered as “Deepa Mai Mahila Credit Cooperative Swayatt Society” in October, 201.  THDC is initially contributing Rs. 10 lac, which can further be enhanced on the basis of performance of the society. Any woman can be member of the society with minimum contribution of Rs. 1000 & max Rs. 5000 in multiplication of Rs. 1000. Member shall be eligible for loan five times to their contribution. The loan shall be used by the members for initiating some commercial activity or for any other purpose. So far 63 women have taken membership of the society and deposited Rs. 1.95 lacs towards purchase of shares by members. An exposure visit of GBPUA & T, Pantnagar was conducted with 14 women member farmers. Senior Scientist’s team of GBPUA & T has recently visited the operational area for giving awareness and assessing agricultural status.

11. MIDTERM REVIEW WORKSHOP AND FEEDBACK FROM THE EXPERTS

Sharing and learning workshop at the end of the year, during the project period, wherein people from other NGOs working in the hills region, academicians, Government officials, research scholars, media persons, PRI representatives and the beneficiaries are  invited to have interaction with the targeted population. These workshops provide platform for sharing views, experiences & issues and exchanging insights, ideas, challenges and possible solutions between stakeholders and Govt. officials.

12. CONCLUSION

Since, focus of THDC’s CSR Program is on holistic development of communities, comprehensive programs are prepared and implemented. Activities are planned to take care all social, economic and environmental requirements of the stakeholders. Some of the benefits are broadly mentioned as follows:

• Promotion & strengthen of Self Help Groups (SHGs)
• Revolving fund provided a helping hand to the farmers in initiating their activities in SHG. This was a big support to them
• Increase in Livelihood
• Agriculture promotion through various techniques ie; trainings, field visits, high yield seeds, organic farming etc
• Health Care
• Women Empowerment
• Soil Conservation
• Water Conservation
• Increase in the produce
• Upliftment through interventions in Animal Husbandry
• Education development
• Transparent and interactive methods involved.

(Vipin Thapliyal, Sr. Manager (CSR); Vijay Sehgal, DGM (CSR) and S.R. Mishra, GM (Social & Environment) at THDC India Limited)

 

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