* Mundra, Trombay and Jojobera are operating divisions of The Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL)

Air Emissions

Alongside greenhouse gas emissions, we are also cognisant of the presence of other air pollutants, including sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, resulting from our operations. To mitigate these pollutants, we have implemented state-of-the-art equipment to minimise their release at the source and effectively manage them prior to their discharge into the environment. Our approach to combat air pollution includes the utilisation of technologies such as electrostatic precipitators, flue gas desulphurisation systems and carbon monoxide monitoring devices. Our diligent efforts are aimed at reducing air emissions and ensuring cleaner air quality.

Water Management

With a strong commitment to water conservation and management, we strive to achieve water neutrality before 2030. Through proactive measures like rainwater harvesting and achieving zero-liquid discharge in most thermal units, we actively minimise water usage. Furthermore, we are developing a roadmap to utilise treated water, enhance water-recharge capacity and recycle treated wastewater for gardening purposes, ensuring sustainable water practices.

Biodiversity

We are dedicated to conserving biodiversity through multiple approaches that involve safeguarding wildlife and vegetation, as well as raising awareness among employees and local communities. By building waterholes for grassland creatures, studying the biodiversity potential of solar plants, and hosting webinars with specialist groups on subjects like elephant conservation, and river ecology, we are devoted to minimising our environmental impact while also preserving biodiversity.

Mahseer Conservation in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot

We have undertaken a series of initiatives since 1975, to maintain the biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Our flagship programme, the Mahseer Conservation Programme, has been in operation for over five decades, aiming to conserve the endangered mahseer species, improve hydropower lakes, and generate employment in local villages. The project has gained momentum through the comprehensive assessment of breeding and reintroduction of the humpbacked Mahseer in its natural ecosystem. In its 51 years, the programme has produced millions of fish seeds and distributed them to various states in India through collaboration with state fishery departments. We also have trained over 300 fisheries scientists and facilitated knowledge exchange with international experts, moving the conservation agenda into the mainstream.

300
Fishery scientists trained

5
National workshops held for knowledge exchange

5
Endemic and endangered species identified for multiplication

GIS Mapping Survey for forest improvement and carbon sequestration

In partnership with Ella Foundation, we have monitored biodiversity and mapping carbon-sequestration potential using GIS in the hydro catchment areas near our plants to improve green cover. The ongoing surveys have found that 94% of trees in the area are indigenous. The survey identified 395 large trees and 2,260 tall trees across nine Tata Power sites. The findings will guide efforts to improve forest cover and carbon sequestration in the region, benefitting the local environment and community. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Tree Mittra – Volunteering programme for afforestation

Tree Mittra is a flagship virtual volunteering initiative that encourages individuals to adopt, plant, and nurture trees under the green theme. This plantation drive involves nationwide participation from employees, families, customers, and stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability.

4.5 million
Trees planted

Afforestation drive: Plantation of native trees

We have been associated with Maharashtra’s Forest Department since 1979 to minimise the impact of soil erosion caused due to rising human and cattle population. This drive also promotes sustainable plantation practices among masses.

Since then, we have planted 20 million saplings and seeds of native species with an overall survival rate of 30%. This has resulted in increasing green cover with indigenous tree species and the return of different species of birds and animals to the forest.

To conserve the forest, we have been organising an educational awareness programme among children with the support of Bharati Vidyapeeth.

Bamboo pots are used instead of plastic bags for sapling plantation

Book published on Western Ghats' flora and fauna

With an aim to promote biodiversity conservation, we undertook efforts to publish comprehensive books on the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. These books include detailed accounts of conservation efforts for endangered species, pocket guides on birds and wild orchids, as well as photographic guides on reptiles and amphibians in the region, providing valuable insights into the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the efforts being made to protect it.

• Conservation of The Mighty Mahseer of India – account for the efforts to conserve the endangered species and its natural habitat
• Birds of Lonavala and Khandala – a pocket guide covering 200 species of birds with a list of endangered and endemic species identified at Lonavala and Khandala
• Wild Orchids of Northern Western Ghats – describes over 99 species of wild orchids, including 41 endemics and 44 threatened species, with distribution maps
• Reptiles Of Northern Western Ghats – a first photographic guide on the Northern Western Ghats documents over 118 species of reptiles, highlighting their conservation status and covering information on their habit, habitat, and food
• Amphibians of Northern Western Ghats – the first authentic photographic guidebook covering all 52 species of amphibians found in the Northern Western Ghats region of India, including Gujarat, Diu, Daman, Nagar-Haveli, Maharashtra, and Goa was released in FY23

Mitigating human-elephant conflict in Central Odisha

The feasibility survey conducted in Central Odisha marked a significant shift in our approach to wildlife conservation. Our objective was to gain insights into the population status, group dynamics and movement patterns of elephants and other wild animals in the region. The survey assessed the severity of human-animal conflicts and proposed effective management strategies to prevent elephant fatalities at conflict hotspots, such as power lines (11-KV and 33-KV), railway road crossings and villages. To raise awareness and promote wildlife conservation, we organised community programmes. As a result of our initiatives, there has been a notable reduction in conflicts and elephant mortalities, creating a safer environment for both wildlife and humans in Central Odisha. Additionally, we have made investments in mapping elephant conservation corridors in Odisha. Phase 1 of the project has been successfully completed, including habitat exploration at TPWODL and expansion plans are in progress to cover TPNODL.

Ecological restoration through piloting of Miyawaki at Mundra Plant

Mundra Plant conducted an RS-GIS mapping study to implement a systematic intervention in the challenging 453.04 ha Greenbelt area. In collaboration with Kutch University, a Certified Greenbelt Map was created, aligning with SDG 13 (climate action). This initiative enhanced resource management, tree survival, fire management, and land use-cover. With over 70 dry land species, it achieved an 80% increase in tree survival, reducing drudgery, manpower, and costs while building trust. The model adheres to CDM, UNFCCC Paris Agreement, and introduces a versatile plantation approach in the region.

Biodiversity action plan development

We are actively working on formulating a biodiversity action plan for our renewable energy sites, which include wind sites at Supa, Khandke, and Satara, as well as solar sites at Akkalkot, Rawra, and Chhayan. Collaborating with interns from Bharti Vidyapeeth, Bandodkar, and Bhavan's college, our initiative focuses on documenting the local flora and fauna and managing invasive species populations. The overarching objective is to establish and execute a comprehensive biodiversity action plan that mitigates the environmental impact of these sites.

Biodiversity action plan for grassland ecosystem at Renewables

We along with the educational institute, Bharti Vidyapeeth, are in process of developing a Biodiversity Action Plan for our renewables sites to develop guidelines for enhanced ecosystem management and ecological restoration.

100% Biodiversity Impact Assessment is completed for Thermal, Hydro sites and renewable operational sites adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas.