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Community Development Initiatives

No success or achievement in material terms is worthwhile unless it serves the needs or interests of the country and its people.

- Sri Jamsetji Tata, Founder, Tata Group

CGPL team understood that community participation is a critical success factor for any development effort and keeping this in mind it started with the following community development initiatives at the beginning of the project:

  • A series of consultative dialogues with village elected representatives, opinion leaders and the community at large.
  • Issue based Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and MLP (Micro level Planning) with the assistance of recognized research agencies in the field of social development through the involvement of the community and opinion leaders is being undertaken so that the plan and need may come directly from them i.e. the approach of bottom up paradigm.
  • A 'Triple Bottom Line Approach' of sustainable development which has helped in achieving a satisfied community that has trust and faith in the Company and its operations.
  • Initiatives such as establishment of milk collection centre, horticulture demo plots, drip irrigation, Biogas plants in households and schools, Check dams, RO (Reverse Osmosis) plants for schools and the community, livelihood enhancement programmes, installation of boat light, education initiatives etc. has been initiated with the support of Non-Government agencies like PRATHAM, VRTI, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) and Government agencies like Fisheries department (GoG), WASMO, ATMA , GLPC, DRDA etc. CGPL is constantly striving to carry out development activities with the help of specialized agencies and also through support of Government Programmes/Schemes.
  • Cooperation from the village Gram Panchayat has led to the formation of the Village Development Advisory Committee (VDAC), which is the first contact point for the Company for all developmental work to be carried out in the respective villages.

CGPL has come a long way in meeting its commitments in the area of operations. In the course of treading this path, CGPL's presence has influenced the lives of the communities around its areas of operations, in many ways, especially in the six catchment villages namely Tunda-Vandh, Mota Kandagra of Mundra; Nanabhadia, Tragadi and Modva of Mandvi Taluka of Kutch. CSR activities have now been extended to the entire block i.e. Mundra and Mandvi. Safe Drinking water and Education - the two flagship programmes of CGPL are being implemented in these two blocks. CGPL is always striving for improvement in the quality of life of the people around and hence has partnered with specialized agencies /NGO/Government organizations and many other like-minded stakeholders for overall improvement of the region. The Company's endeavours are focused on holistic development of the region.

CGPL has begun the journey of engaging its neighbouring communities to address their developmental needs and issues. A systematic strategy has been followed for the identification and grouping of stakeholders based on their influence, leading to a phased stakeholder dialogue. It includes exploring and engaging, building and formalizing, implementing actions and then continuously evaluating in a manner that institutionalizes relationship with the communities. The programmes and their outcomes are aligned to achieve high level of impact and sustenance. The above strategy has taken the Company on a journey that spans the themes of education, health, income generation and livelihood, safe drinking water, rural energy, natural resource management, infrastructure and institution building.

CGPL is involved in a wide variety of community development projects in and around the project site. These programmes cover many areas, from health and education to livelihoods, women-children welfare and much more. Local needs are identified through direct communication and surveys. For seamless working with community, a CSR office has been established in the heart of the village, outside the project boundary.

CSR activities are carried out under 9 domains. Some of the key initiatives under each of these areas are listed below:

Reports

CSR Videos

Employability/Income Generation/ Livelihood

  • Formation of Self Help Groups (SHG) engaged in Handicraft- Linkages with markets for sale.
  • Fodder distribution in the existing Gaushala.
  • Milk collection centre.
  • Animal husbandry value addition- Establishment of Vet service centre, Vermi compost pits for income generation.
  • Pond renovation.
  • Check dam in the area of 560 mt.
  • Breed conservation of camels through vaccination camps.
  • Training to rural youth for skill development.
  • Distribution of fishing nets to the fishermen.
  • Fibre boats to the fishermen.
  • Community Based Retail Enterprise (CBRE); cattle feed for sale.
  • Well Recharging.
  • Drip demo.
  • Horticulture demo plots.
  • Farm bunding.
  • Promotion of local artisans through exposure visits and sponsoring of the handicraft fair.
My family was running a provision store in the village since many years. When CGPL came to our village they gave me the contract to run another provision store in the Plant's labour colony area. A second store has almost doubled our family income since all the labourers buy their daily ration from our store. Income from the plant has greatly increased our standard of living. We have been investing the additional income in our children's education. There are many others who have been given such kind of contracts, helping to overcome limited resources and opportunities in the village. - PETHABHAI RABARI
36 YEARS OLD, TUNDA-VANDH, VILLAGE PROVISION STORE CONTRACT
My family has been living in this vicinity and engaged in this occupation for several generations. Fishermen need to change their nets and other equipment for fishing, twice in a season which turns out to be a very expensive affair. Hence we are compelled to take loans with excruciatingly high rates of interest. The VDAC and the community dwelled on the value chain analysis of the traditional fishing business. It was understood that if fishermen could get improvised nets then our income would increase manifold. It was also decided that every beneficiary should have ownership and invest equally as a contribution to the program, which would be managed and ensured by VDAC. - GANIBHAI HUSAIN GODHA
76 YEARS OLD, MODHVA, DISTRIBUTION OF FISHING NETS
Horticulture model demo
Livelihood grant to fishermen
Tie & dye training

Community Organization and Institution Building

  • Construction and establishment of Community Information Centre by constructing a traditional structure called Bhunga
  • Institution formation and strengthening: Village Development Advisory Committee (VDAC), Self Help Group (SHG), Adolescent Girls' Learning Centre
  • Creation of guard file for different Government schemes
  • Study and Research
  • Capacity building program for Self Help Groups, VDAC
  • Promotion of Lok Dayro to promote local culture and community interaction
VDAC gives the villages a better bargaining power to avail of Government schemes -- it has helped in getting investments to start the 8th standard in the village school, the construction of road sanctioned and various other subsidies, loans and grants. Our village has always been in the hinterlands and ignored, with no other organization having done any work here and am certain CGPL shall always maintain this level of commitment to the village and us, fishermen folk. - Mammadbhai,
40 years old, Modhva Village fisherman
IFC visit
Lok dayro
SHG meeting

Biodiversity and Environment

  • Plantation work
  • Mangrove Conservation
CGPL has been extremely helpful and forthcoming in tackling the issue of natural resource management. 2 of our ponds have been renovated and recharged, which helped us tremendously. We regularly meet with CGPL's Utkarsh team to discuss needs and activities for the community. The Utkarsh initiative has helped reduce salinity levels in the bores of nearby areas. Agriculture has also improved because of the improvement in water and an increase in the water table. Motor pumps have been constantly running since the pond renovation project, which highlights that due to these kinds of interventions, there is no longer water scarcity and salinity problems. We can now imagine a bright future and profitable agricultural occupation because of CGPL. - LAKHUBHA,
55 YEARS OLD, TRAGADI VILLAGE, POND RENOVATION
I heard about the farm bunding option offered by CGPL and approached them to avail the benefits. The process and the details were shared with me by their implementing agency- VRTI, which made me understand the transparent approach adopted by the Company. The declaration form, participatory approach and transparency in the process attracted me to execute the same. We need more companies like CGPL to educate us and help us in identifying and implementing activities to enhance our livelihood opportunities. - BUDDHA DAMA RABARI,
39 YEARS OLD, TRAGADI VILLAGE, FARM BUNDING
Energy exposure
Energy rally
Water day
Conservation of Mangroves
Environment awareness session at a village school

Drinking Water

  • Community RO plant in Villages (4 units) with the support of Tata Projects
  • Drinking water well with pipeline facility in Modhva village
  • Supply of drinking water at Tragadi Bunder for fishermen
  • Installation of RO plants in 12 schools and formation of water management committee
I have been a teacher for the past 7 years and have been staying in this village for 4 years. We are grateful to CGPL for helping us with RO plants in our school as it has improved the quality of the water. Many water borne diseases caused by salinity have reduced. There were 6-7 kidney stone cases among children in the school. The RO water plant leads them to drink safe water during school hours which has translated into many health benefits and fewer illnesses among the children. - JAYANTI BHAI,
34 YEARS OLD, MOTA KANDAGARA VILLAGE, RO DRINKING WATER FACILITY, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The saline water in the village has caused many health issues. We have direct water supply in our homes but it is not good for drinking. The issues of drinking water were identified by the CGPL team and were discussed during our Self Help Group (SHG) meetings. The Company conducted the feasibility study for alternate solutions and water testing in our village. The results were then shared with us. This harsh reality educated us and changed our mind to adopt and opt for safe drinking water. The RO plant set up by CGPL has benefited us as illnesses like stomach aches and joint pains have drastically reduced. The approach of CGPL for developmental work is unique and under this program employment to the local people has been assured. The mineral water which we used to purchase from outside at Rs. 20 is now available in our village at a much lower cost. - 40 YEARS OLD,
TUNDA VILLAGE, RO DRINKING WATER FACILITY, HOUSEWIFE
Jalmani
RO Plant- Drinking water
Well recharge

Health

  • Community Health Camp
  • School health program through "Project Arogaya"
  • Strengthening of Aganwadi centre
  • HIV/AIDS work shop and capacity building programme
I had a lot of difficulty to see from one eye as it was swollen very badly. The checkups at hospitals in the area are very expensive and related surgeries are even more expensive. Travelling is time-consuming and expensive if one has to avail any such medical help. CGPL organized an eye camp in the village which helped my condition considerably. CGPL's initiative has helped me in getting my vision back. For old people and women such camps are necessary as we can't move out much. - BACHUBHAI RAMJI
72 - TUNDA VILLAGE, 'EYE CHECK-UP CAMPS, BENEFICIARY
There was lack of health provisions and regular medical facilities before CGPL. The camps to check haemoglobin levels, eye camps, cataract camps, physiotherapy camps, malaria detection camps, blood check-up camps, gynaecology camps, nutrition camps for children etc. are undertaken keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the village and various groups of the community. We are always informed in advance about the health camps conducted by the Company. Sessions are also undertaken to understand what issues women face. - DAKSHABEN
36 YEARS OLD, TRAGADI VILLAGE, HEALTH CAMPS
Eye Camp
Gynecology camp
Health camp

Education

  • Project Sujaan for computer learning stations
  • Spoken English classes
  • Bal Pravetsov programme - distribution of educational kits to new entrants in the school - Partnering with GoG sponsored " Kanya Kelavani Programme
  • Siksha Sarathi Programme for 165 schools of Mundra and Mandvi
  • Publication of Samvad- A compendium of people's responses
  • School note book distribution
  • Training to school children
  • Vocational training to rural youth
  • Farmers Training
I have been a teacher for 11 years in government schools and currently am a teacher at the Mota Kandagra Government school. CGPL has added tremendous professional value to me since they organized a teacher's training workshop which taught me better methods of teaching, discussed issues faced in education and provided solutions for the same. The training also increased my knowledge on management, research and administration related topics. - KRISHNABEN, TEACHER,
30 YEARS OLD, MOTA KANDAGARA, TEACHER'S TRAINING
Multi Media computers have been installed outside our classrooms in schools. Students can access and use this facility. These were installed a year and a half ago. Through these computers we get a better understanding of the topic at hand and it gives us more practical knowledge and examples than just reading theory. My interest in coming to school and learning has highly increased with the use of computers in the course. Enrollments have also increased in the school since every kid these days wants to learn how to use computers and feels excited to be able to learn on computers. - HARDIP SINGH,
13 YEARS OLD, TUNDA VILLAGE, 'SUJAAN' PROJECT
Bal utsav
School kit distribution
Teacher training

Rural Energy

  • Household biogas
  • Solar street light
  • Solar light installation in the boat
  • School Biogas plant
  • Street light
Approach road
Boundary wall for crematorium
Panchvati garden

Rural Infrastructure Development

  • Village Gate
  • Panchayat Bhavan
  • Water connectivity structure
  • Approach road
  • Boundary wall for crematorium
  • Household sanitation units
  • Community hall
  • Drainage
  • Creation of water structure at Tragadi Bunder
  • Community toilet at Tragadi bunder
  • School renovation work
  • Village road
  • Community sitting platform
  • Roof-top rain water harvesting structure
  • Construction of tree guard
I have been staying in this village for the past 5 years and there have been holistic initiatives for development in animal husbandry, community halls and sanitation. I constantly interact and meet with the team members of CGPL through my SHG. I am paid a visit 3-4 times a month by the CGPL CR team. We are always given due importance in any intervention or decision making for the development of the village. The sanitation program of CGPL is where each household is given Rs. 9000 for building individual toilets in their homes. The payment is made by the Company after 100% completion of the construction. We have to invest Rs.1500- 2000 depending on how we want the toilets to be. Things have changed drastically in the last few years as earlier open defecation was a common problem. There would be issues of venturing into the jungle late at night, more so for women and most urinals were set up only for men, creating safety issues. This programme has also led to the improvement in social status of women and reduced health issues which we faced earlier. This intervention has truly created a realistic feeling of progress and urbanization in our area.
- HARKHUBEN,
32 YEARS OLD, VANDH VILLAGE, SANITATION UNIT
Approach road
Boundary wall for crematorium
Panchvati garden
Vandh community centre
Sanitation unit

Gaushala - Addressing the loss of grazing land

One of the major issues identified in the project area was mitigation of the loss of grazing land. This led to a benchmark mitigation initiative in the region and possibly in the state. The team went to several industries that were operating in the region since past years but were unable to find any mitigation plan or success stories for the same. CGPL also approached the Government agencies for identifying the statues/norms for mitigating the issue of loss of grazing land. The initiative that was finally designed and undertaken by the Company is beyond Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R).

The cooperation from the village Gram Panchayat led to the formation of the Village Development Advisory Committee (VDAC), which became the first contact point for the Company for all developmental works to be carried out in the respective villages.

The committee after deliberation with opinion leaders and the community suggested following options for mitigation of the issue of reduction in grazing land faced by the community due to the upcoming power project:

  • Land in lieu of land
  • One time compensation including the cost of fodder
  • Fodder supply by the Company and
  • Construction of Gaushala

Keeping in mind its sustainability, creation of more ownership among the community and focus on inclusive development, the Company has one Gaushala at Tunda- Vandh and another in the process of being constructed at Mota Kandagara. The Company has formed two trusts namely “Tunda Vandh Gauseva Charitable Trust” and “Mota Kandagara Gauseva Charitable Trust” with maximum representation from the villagers.

In continuation with its community development efforts, CGPL has provided an innovative and replicable model by establishing Fodder Supply Centres and building Gaushalas (animal shelters) in 2 panchayats of Mundra, Gujarat. The Gaushalas are spread across 13 acres of the Company's land with two fodder storage sheds, 5 cattle sheds and cattle troughs. Presently around 3000 cattle are catered to by these Gaushalas, which receive a supply of 4777 MT green fodder and 3942 MT dry fodder. The grazing land mitigation plan and interim supply of fodder has set up new benchmarks in the region as well in the state of Gujarat. Tata Power, through this initiative, has helped the community and the cattle owners who are largely dependent on dairy, to access regular fodder supply for the cattle thus ensuring their source of income. Post attaining the license to operate in the area, the Company has benefited more than 400 cattle owners of Tunda, Vandh and Mota Kandagra villages in the project vicinity.

The Trust formed comprises of community members and three representatives from the Company. It has its own bank account from where transactions take place. The signatories are from the Company and from the community to maintain transparency and ownership amongst the community. Further the Trust also sells cow dung. For the efficient management of Gaushala, a group of Gaushala workers are engaged for better fodder management and housekeeping of the Gaushala, whose salary is borne by the Company.The Company is further looking at expanding their initiatives at the Gaushala through initiating a self-sustenance model, institutionalizing the trust and initiating phase wise planning for the development of the Gaushala.

The Company has made a Gaushala (animal shed) right next to the plant where all the cattle come for grazing. It supplied regular fodder in the Gaushala for the entire year. Earlier the inhabitants could keep mostly small animals like sheep and goats. Due to this intervention of CGPL the inhabitants are now keeping cattle such as cows and buffaloes. The efforts of CGPL are praise worthy as even during the draught like situation, fodder supply is continued. Today the production from my cattle is around 300 litres per day. This initiative of CGPL for mitigating the loss of grazing land by supplying regular fodder has helped the cattle owners immensely in maintaining the traditional occupation. Due to CGPL's initiatives, we are continuing with our traditional business/occupation.
- Mr. Vanka Bhima Rabari,
55 years old, resident of Vandh village
It is the result of participatory meeting with CGPL team and also by involvement of Government officials. The main purpose was how to maintain the traditional occupation of the inhabitants of the vicinity. The Company has constructed the Gaushala by extending their own land of 13 hectares which has all the facilities for cattle survival viz. drinking water, fodder storage and fodder supply, that too free of cost. For better management and creation of ownership, the Company has formed trusts comprising of the community members which is a very welcome step. This model is very unique across the state and a successful venture for restoration of livelihood for the cattle owners. By these initiatives the relation between the Company and villagers has also been strengthened.
- Mr. Asha Bhai Rama Bhai Rabari,
45 years old, Dy. Sarpanch Tunda-Vandh panchayat

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