UltraTech Cement Limited

* Integrated Child and Women Welfare Through Anganwadis - The Anganwadi Excellence Initiative has revolutionized early childhood development services in rural areas by transforming Anganwadi centers into model facilities. These upgrades include improved infrastructure and enhanced education, nutrition, and healthcare services. At Hirmi, renovations have created a nurturing environment for over 900 children, as well as numerous women and adolescent girls. With attendance rates exceeding 90%, the initiative has successfully engaged the community and delivered accessible, high-quality services. Directly benefiting 960 children and 540 women, it has improved health and hygiene standards in the region.

* Ensuring Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water - As part of providing safe drinking water to communities near the company's operations, it has developed 22 new water sources and refurbished existing ones across 51 villages this year. Permanent borewells and tanks have been installed, while water tankers serve remote areas. Water ATMs have been installed in Tadipatri and Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) and Awarpur (Maharashtra). Additionally, in partnership with government renewable energy programs, solar-powered drinking water facilities have been established in Hirmi and Rawan (Chhattisgarh) and Dalla (Uttar Pradesh). These efforts have significantly improved access to clean water while promoting environmental sustainability.

* Project Ojaswani - ‘Ojaswani,’ a distinctive CSR initiative, has improved the health and well-being of over 120 girls aged 11-15 from the tribal community near Maihar Cement, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. This program has led to better health outcomes, increased school attendance, and greater focus on academics. It has also fostered higher participation in sports and enhanced academic performance, creating a lasting impact on the lives of these young girls.

* Project Dhanvantari - Led by Manikgarh Cement, Project Dhanvantari is a holistic initiative aimed at enhancing community health and wellness. The project has positively impacted over 2,000 people through health camps, awareness workshops, medical facilities, and free medication distribution.

* Sustainable Agriculture Through Natural and Organic Farming - To revolutionize agriculture in Himachal Pradesh, the company launched a CSR initiative promoting natural and organic farming practices. This program aims to enhance agricultural sustainability, improve livelihoods, and boost ecological resilience.

* Implementing Sprinkler Irrigation Systems - In partnership with the District Horticulture Departments of Baloda Bazaar (Chhattisgarh) and Sonebhadra (Uttar Pradesh), the company supported the Prime Minister's Irrigation Scheme to enhance water efficiency in agriculture.

* Project Sarthi: Vocational Skill Training Initiative - Awarpur Cement, located in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, has launched Project Sarthi to empower rural youth with vocational skills. The program provides training in car driving and backhoe operation, equipping participants with valuable skills for employment and self-reliance.

* Construction of Check Dam - This collaborative project, involving local governance and community participation, has created a sustainable water storage solution. The check dam revitalizes agriculture and fulfills the daily water needs of the local population and wildlife, particularly during dry seasons, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

* Watershed Management for Water Resource Development - Initiated in 2019-20, the Watershed Management Project, a joint effort by UltraTech Cement Limited and ICRISAT-Hyderabad, has significantly improved water resources and socio-economic conditions in the villages of Petnikota and Ayyavaripalli. This initiative enhances water availability for agriculture, supports livelihoods, and strengthens community resilience.

* Improving connectivity and Community Facilities - To drive economic, health, and social development, efforts focused on infrastructure enhancement, including the construction of cement concrete roads, community halls, and other essential facilities across 16 states. These developments have improved the quality of life for villagers and contributed directly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

* Construction of Community Halls - As part of the CSR initiatives, Maihar Cement constructed community halls in the villages of Bhadanpur North and Sagmaniya, benefiting a combined population of 12,000. These halls provide dedicated spaces for community gatherings, cultural celebrations, and traditional events, fostering social cohesion and promoting the preservation of cultural heritage.

The centralized venue also reduces the financial burden on marginalized families by eliminating the need to rent event spaces for social and personal functions. This initiative strengthens community ties while supporting intergenerational knowledge sharing and inclusivity.

* Women’s Skill Enhancement and Economic Growth Initiatives - The initiatives aim to empower women by enhancing their skills and fostering financial independence within communities. In the village of Kunjirwadi, the company supported widowed women by donating a Mirchi Kandap Machine (spice grinding machine). This provided them with a sustainable source of income and a valuable asset to support their families. By equipping these women with the tools and resources for self-reliance, the company promotes economic independence and improves their quality of life.

* Umang Khel Mahotsav - Vikram Cement organized the Umang Khel Mahotsav, a transformative athletic competition that brought together 456 women from 39 local Anganwadis in rural India. This event celebrated their potential, enhanced their social status, and empowered them through active participation in sports, fostering confidence and a sense of community.

* Awareness Programme on Menstrual Hygiene - To address the pressing issue of menstrual hygiene in India, particularly in tribal regions where many girls cannot afford commercial sanitary pads, the company launched Project SAHAJ in collaboration with Praveenlata Sansthan, Jaipur. The initiative educates women about menstrual hygiene, provides eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, and challenges myths and taboos surrounding menstruation.

The project also empowers women’s groups by promoting self-sustainability and generating income for Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Through this holistic approach, Project SAHAJ aims to improve health, dignity, and economic opportunities for women in marginalized communities.