Tata Steel Foundation transforms Kendudihi into a Green Village

Joda, March 17, 2024: In a significant stride towards sustainable energy and community development, Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) has transformed Kendudihi, situated in the Joda block of Keonjhar district, into a solar-powered village.

Under this transformative initiative, all the 70  households of the village are now equipped with four bulbs, one table fan, and charging equipment, ensuring access to clean and renewable energy sources.

The inauguration ceremony, graced by Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere (I.F.S), Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Keonjhar, marked a pivotal moment for Kendudihi’s residents.

Dipak Behera, Chief, Kalmang and Gandhalpada Project, Tata Steel, Ranjan Kalo, Range Officer, Barbil Range, Kavindra Naik, Chairman, Joda Block, Bidyadhar Naik,  Sarpanch, Guali gram panchayat, ward members of Kendudihi and TSF representatives, were also present on the occasion, emphasizing the collaborative effort driving this initiative forward.

Commending TSF’s commitment to sustainable solutions, Shri Dhanraj lauded the initiative as a beacon of progress for the region.

As part of the initiative’s scope, 15 street lights will illuminate Kendudihi, enhancing safety and accessibility for all residents. Additionally, five water distribution points, boasting a 5000-litre capacity overhead tank, aims to alleviate water scarcity issues in the area.

Expressing gratitude for the transformation, Mani Munda, a resident of Kendudihi village highlighted the profound impact of TSF’s initiative, remarking, “Tata Steel Foundation’s intervention has turned our village into an exemplary community, fulfilling our long-standing aspirations. With these solar lights, our farmlands are shielded from previous elephant intrusions.”

Similarly, Prafulla Naik of the same village emphasized the newfound opportunities brought forth by the initiative, stating, “Now, villagers can actively engage in social activities during the evenings. Moreover, women can traverse safely at night, contributing to a more inclusive and empowered community.”

Beyond solar electrification, TSF has undertaken various developmental projects encompassing water conservation, rainwater harvesting, infrastructure enhancement, and other community-centric endeavors.

Notably, Kendudihi school has also witnessed the construction of two new classrooms, alongside initiatives supporting sports activities, rainwater harvesting, kitchen gardening, and mushroom cultivation, enriching the lives of locals and fostering sustainable growth.

Disclaimer

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, economic conditions affecting demand/ supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/ or other incidentalfactors.

For queries and information

Sarvesh Kumar,Chief Corporate Communications, Tata Steel, sarvesh.kumar@tatasteel.com

About Tata Steel

• Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum.
• It is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world.
• The group recorded a consolidated turnover of ~US$30.3 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2023.
• A Great Place to Work-Certified^TM organisation, Tata Steel Limited, together with its subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 77,000.
• Tata Steel has announced its major sustainability objectives including Net Zero Carbon by 2045.
• The Company has been on a multi-year digital-enabled business transformation journey intending to be the leader in ‘Digital Steel making by 2025’. The Company has received the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse recognition for its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar and IJmuiden Plants.
• Tata Steel aspires to have 25% diverse workforce by 2025. The Company has been recognised with the World Economic Forum’s Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion Lighthouse 2023.
• The Company has been a part of the DJSI Emerging Markets Index since 2012 and has been consistently ranked amongst top 10 steel companies in the DJSI Corporate Sustainability Assessment since 2016.
• Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur Plant is India’s first site to receive ResponsibleSteel^TM Certification. Subsequently, its Kalinganagar and Meramandali plants have also received thecertification. In India, Tata Steel now has more than 90% of its steel production from ResponsibleSteel^TM certified sites.
• Received Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2016-17, 2023 Steel Sustainability Champion recognition from worldsteel for six years in a row, 2022 ‘Supplier Engagement Leader’ recognition by CDP, Top performer in Iron and Steel sector in Dun & Bradstreet’s India’s top 500 companies 2022, Ranked as the 2023 most valuable Mining and Metals brand in India by Brand Finance,‘Most Ethical Company’ award 2021 from Ethisphere Institute, and ‘Best Corporate for Promotion of Sports’ recognition at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2024.
• Received 2023 ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) Award of Distinction at the RIMS ERM Conference 2023, ‘Masters of Risk’ – Metals & Mining Sector recognition at The India Risk Management Awards for the seventh consecutive year, and Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting FY20 from ICAI, among several others.