NEW DELHI (INDIA):India’s largest integrated power company, Tata Power has always undertaken several initiatives to improve the standard of living of its communities through various interventions in the field of education, income generation, agriculture, and many more.
In line with this endeavor, Tata Power has committed to transform 56 villages in India as part of its ‘model village’ programme. This programme aims to make adopted villages socially and economically self-reliant.
As part of the programme the villagers will be introduced to collective farming practices, introduction to modern farming practices, use of drip irrigation for better water management, optimum use of fertilisers, etc.
During phase I of the project, Tata Power will implement the programme in 10 villages, while adopting 23 villages each during phase II and phase III of the project. The villages part of phase I will include Sarjamda and Khairboni at Jamshedpur, Mulshi in Maharashtra and Tunda-Vandh, Motakandagara and Nanabhadiya at Mundra to name a few.
On the social front, the programme will introduce the villages to rural solid waste management, participatory ground water management, fodder seed bank, basic health facility, and provision of para teachers in the school along with activities aimed at increasing the learning capabilities of students. Apart from this, Tata Power will also lend technical and knowledge management support to the villages by building a community hall and prayer hall in the schools, and approach roads to the villages.
Speaking on this initiative, Anil Sardana, CEO and MD, Tata Power said, “We, at Tata Power have always strived to be sensitive to the communities around us. Our connect with the local villagers inspired us to go the extra mile by helping them develop their villages into a model village. The support of the villagers and local authorities is very heartening. We hope to add many more villages to this program in the years to come.”
Additionally, Tata Power will strive to achieve a consolidation of fragmented landholding and promote the practice of collective farming that will help farmers to reap in benefits that would help in developing a truly sustainable community. The initiative will also promote the benefits of intercropping and commercial farming with the use of best agricultural practices. Tata Power will initiate phase II and III of this programme over the next three years. The success of this initiative could serve as a blueprint for villages across India.