APSEZ wins National Water Award for CSR efforts Editor's Synopsis

Ahmedabad: In a virtual ceremony, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Ltd, Mundra, Kutch, was awarded second prize in the category of Best Industry for CSR Activity at the 2nd National Water Awards. The award was given by Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It recognizes the numerous water conservation activities carried out by APSEZ as a part of their CSR activities.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rakshit Shah, Executive Director, APSEZ, Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat, said, “We are extremely glad to receive this award as it is testament to our commitment and dedication towards water conservation.” The National Water Awards are held by the Government of India – Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The CSR activities of APSEZ are implemented by Adani Foundation. In the water-scarce and drought-prone Kutch district of Gujarat, people rely on ground water and piped water for drinking purposes. This water has a high level of TDS (3500-5000 reduced to 2400-3900 mg/l) which causes bone and kidney diseases amongst the residents of the region. To address this issue, 18 check dams are constructed till date, benefitting an area of 637 Hac and ensuring water supply of 17.82 MCFT. Further, 44 ponds have been deepened, benefitting an area of 320 Acre by increasing the storage capacity by 23.67 MCFT. 54 homes have been equipped to harvest rainwater with a storage tank capacity of 10,000 L, 75 bore-wells and 31 abundant wells have been recharged. More than 800 farmers have been able to use this water to implement drip irrigation on 1958 Hac of farmland.

To give an overview, Adani Foundation’s initiatives resulted in deepening of 350 ponds and building of 20 check dams, thereby increasing the water storage capacity to 78.17.468 CUM. Along with conservation, Foundation is promoting user efficiency by encouraging drip irrigation and expansion of horticulture.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL) is the largest commercial ports operator in India accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country. Its presence across 10 domestic ports in six maritime states of Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha presents the most widespread national footprint with deepened hinterland connectivity. The port facilities are equipped with the latest cargo-handling infrastructure which is not only best-in-class, but also capable of handling the largest vessels calling at Indian shores. Our ports are equipped to handle diverse cargos, from dry cargo, liquid cargo, crude to containers.

The Adani Group is a diversified organisation with a USD 39 Bn portfolio, headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Founded in 1988, Adani has grown to become a global integrated infrastructure player with businesses in key industry verticals - resources, logistics, energy and agro. The integrated model is well adapted to the infrastructure challenges of the emerging economies.