Ahmedabad, 25 July 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has significantly transformed the Marwar Mundwa region through its extensive CSR initiatives focused on sustainable development, water management, and community empowerment.
Ambuja Cements has introduced 3,194 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems (RRWHS) with a combined capacity of 51,377 cubic meters, drastically improving water availability for residents. Women and children no longer need to travel long distances to fetch water, enhancing their health, education, and overall quality of life. The CSR arm of Ambuja Cements also supported the construction of 137 farm ponds, providing a water storage capacity of 234,836 cubic meters, and facilitated installation of drip irrigation systems across 588.79 hectares of farmland. These efforts have resulted in a 30% reduction in water usage, enabling farmers to cultivate multiple crops and harvests per year, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and economic stability.
Through its biomass initiative, Ambuja Cements helped establish a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) through which the farmer members can sell waste husk as biomass to the company, generating additional income. Despite challenges like rainfall dependency, the FPO has supplied 45,115.53 MT of biomass to date. The CSR arm has also facilitated the setting up of 70 self-help groups (SHGs) with 787 women members, who collectively amassed a corpus of ₹84.82 lakh. These women engaged in diverse income-generating activities, including agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, and handicrafts, promoting financial independence and better futures for their families. This effort includes the establishment of ‘Maru Shree Vikas Samiti,’ a federation which markets traditional spices and products, improving economic integration and market access.
Ambuja Cements renovated the dilapidated Mahatma Gandhi English Medium School in Inana village, creating an ideal learning environment. The transformation included repairing roofs and floors, building new toilets, upgrading electrical systems, and beautifying the campus with plants and vibrant classroom walls. This initiative has encouraged more students to attend school and has been recognised by school authorities for its impact on promoting high-quality education.
An impact assessment study revealed that over 80% of residents no longer face acute water shortages due to Ambuja Cements’ interventions. The introduction of micro-irrigation techniques has led to a 70% reduction in water usage, saving farmers up to ₹ 700 per bigha of cultivated land. About 94% of respondents reported improved livelihoods from farming and other sources thanks to the CSR initiatives. These efforts have contributed to sustainable groundwater recharge, enhanced soil moisture, reduced erosion, and improved biodiversity.
Through its comprehensive CSR initiatives, Ambuja Cements has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable water resource management, economic empowerment, and community development. The CSR arm of Ambuja Cements continues to strive for a resilient future, preserving vital water resources and promoting inclusive growth through advanced techniques and facilitating sustainable livelihoods.
