India CSR News Network
MUMBAI : Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, has launched ‘Act for Mahseer’ a sustainable programme focused at conservation of the Mahseer, an endangered species of fish. For almost 6 decades, the Company has been committed to the ecological development and preservation of natural resources in Western Ghats. In line with its core pillars of sustainability ‘Care for Environment’ and ‘Care for Community’, Tata Power has pledged its commitment to conserving the Mahseer.
‘Act for Mahseer’ is a call to action public campaign aimed at spreading awareness about the mighty Mahseer to help preserve this valuable fish species in a big way at national level. The programme has been launched with a three-pronged approach to educate, engage and empower Mahseer lovers. Under each approach, various activities will be undertaken.
A microsite will be launched on Mahseer conservation, and a Mahseer travelogue series will be initiated in the ‘educate’ phase. Interactive activities, such as a gaming app and Mahseer Conservation Day will comprise the ‘engage’ stage, and the ‘empower’ stage will include activities focussed on core conservation initiatives such as donation drives, volunteering for habitat adoption, awareness drivers and many others.
The programme will involve the participation of Tata Power employees and customers, and public at large, to encourage responsible action with respect to these endangered species and to work for its conservation. The Company appeals to all connected to help this effort by actively participating in ‘Act for Mahseer Campaign.
Anil Sardana, MD and Chief Executive Officer & MD, Tata Power said, “Tata Power firmly believes in the concept of leadership with care and we aim to showcase the same through ‘Act for Mahseer’ campaign. As part of Tata Power’s centenary initiatives, we have reinforced our commitment to Mahseer conservation initiative, which was pioneered by Tata Power in 1975. Till date, the Company has produced & distributed in various water bodies, seeds in excess of 10 million fish lings of Mahseer all over India.
Our efforts at nation building are not just limited to lighting up lives by providing energy to the nation, but also includes caring for the community & flora and fauna near our areas of operations.
With this initiative, the Company has embarked on a strong journey to safeguard and conserve our bio-diversity, and work towards protecting our environment with public at large. I take this opportunity to appeal to our employees, customers and public at large to participate wholeheartedly and make this movement a huge success”
Taking cognizance of the alarming decline in the population of Mahseer, Tata Power undertook the Mahseer conservation initiative in 1975 and set up a breeding centre in Lonavla as part of its eco-restoration and eco-development project for the lakes.
Tata Power has also established standard techniques of breeding the Mahseer species after in-depth research in breeding several lakhs of fingerlings. Today, the hatchery breeds around 2.5 to 3 lakhs fries every year and releases them back into the lake. This is the only hatchery in India that breeds the Mahseer and set an example of species conservation and sustainability.
The Mahseer breeding programme has entered its 42 nd year and is the most successful Mahseer breeding facility in India. Tata Power has developed methods of breeding of all the valid endangered species of Mahseer by stripping and artificial fertilisation.
As part of Tata Power’s eco-restoration and eco-development programme, Pisciculture was undertaken in 1970 for ecological improvement of the lakes, for food and sport and for breeding, conserving and rehabilitating the endangered fish species, Mahseer and Indian Trout.
The conservation of the endangered Mahseer by Tata Power at Lonavla includes three out of six valid species, of which one is the world famous Golden Mahseer from the Himalayan region. This outstanding initiative has received national recognition. This is one of the biggest conservation efforts in India after Project Tiger.
