Drive India Enterprise Solutions Ltd, a JV between TATA Industries and TATA International, initiated ‘Shram Daan’ to construct a mini dam in the village of Jarandi in Thane district. This construction was undertaken by over 100 employees from DIESL on January 22nd and is the part of the village development programme initiated last year by the company.
The mini dam measures 65 feet in length and 5 feet in height with a total capacity of 2 million litres of water, which will benefit the human and livestock population of the village for the entire year. The construction of the dam is part of the rain water harvesting’ project under the village development program. Apart from the construction of the bund, repairs of the bore-well and rainwater harvesting by developing recharge pit close to the bore-well are also the other activities under the water resource improvement initiatives.
Apart from the water resource improvement initiatives, the village development program also covers aspects such as community building activities, sustainable agro-based and livestock development activities and health improvement activities. A medium sized village, Jarandi, has a population of 600 people mainly employed with livestock and agro-based activities. There is a significant population (37%) of landless labourers, with over 73% below the poverty line. The water resources are limited and are unhealthy for consumption.
Mr Ajay Chopra CEO of DIESL said that “Under CSR projects, usually companies provide funds. It is important that the employees of the organisation are personally part of the projects in order to build a sense of ownership and connection with the beneficiaries. DIESL employees not only give a part of their salaries for these projects but are also personally taking part in these initiatives. The construction of the bund by the employees is an example of our CSR approach.”
DIESL will be closely monitoring this extensive and comprehensive three-year plan with an internal audit team with a view to duplicating the model in other villages in the country.
