OREANDA-NEWS. May 16, 2011. Tata Power, India’s largest integrated private power utility, has implemented several sustainability initiatives through its subsidiary Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL) in Mundra Taluka (Kutch District) in the state of Gujarat. It has revived four new ponds with fully treated water received from its Labour Colony Sewage Treatment Plant at Mundra.

The ponds have also been given a shot in the arm by the release of over 10,000 fishlings of different species like Common Carp, Tilapia, Rohu, Catla and Mrigal among others. The water from the sewage plant is also used to water the 27,750 plants grown in the Zone D and E area earmarked for plantation.

Speaking on the initiatives Mr. Alok Kanagat, Executive Director / CEO - Mundra UMPP, CGPL, said. “We strongly believe that commitment to the community cannot be complete without the commitment to the environment. This initiative is part of a larger canvas of activities under sustainability and is in line with our philosophy of living in harmony with the environment wherever we operate.”

The initiative of developing natural ponds made redundant due to accumulation of silt, neglect and destruction by cattle and animals over the years by recharging them with STP-treated water not only helps raise the water table, but goes a long way in developing the flora and fauna that was on the brink of extinction. Besides the optimum utilisation of water sources it also ensures reduced / zero discharge or no wastage of the STP-treated water.

Adding further, Mr. Kanagat said, “As a part of our SHE initiatives (Safety, Health and Environment), we see environment playing a greater role not only in the sustenance of the region but also the well-being of our employees and neighbouring communities. Besides the 27,750 trees already planted and cared for, we will be planting another 10,000 from 1st June. Just like targets in sales and production, we are targeting a plantation of 50,000 trees by November 2011”.

The introduction of fishlings in the ponds will not only help the natural cleaning and maintenance of the ponds' ecosystem but will develop a natural food chain, thereby attracting migratory birds to the area. The tree plantation in the area is also done with the aim of providing natural nesting places for birds to thrive in the area. The Kutch region supports a total of 92 species of birds and the green belt with its safe and supportive environment will provide an alternate natural habitat for them.