OREANDA-NEWS. July 31, 2012. Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power utility, has continuously endeavoured to improve the quality of life of the communities around its project areas. As a part of the drive to increase the socio-economic standard of residents of Naraj Marthapur project area, the Tata Power team has set up self-help groups in nine villages located in the vicinity of the project. These villages are Naraj, Arilo, Talagarh, Marthapur, Ramdaspur, Godisahi, Bada Mundali, Sana Mundali and Thoraipatna.

There are 67 self-help groups operating in project affected area, with a total of 822 members. The self-help groups are involved in various livelihood-generation activities like vegetable cultivation, mushroom making, phenyl making, flour making, etc. These activities have not only improved the living standards of people involved but also benefited the community as a whole. The initiative was well received and appreciated by the entire community located in the Naraj Marthapur project area.

Speaking on the occasion, Puroshattam Thakur, general manager, Odisha projects, said, “It is a moment of great pride for the team at Naraj Marthapur to have successfully enhanced lives of people in these areas. These small scale initiatives have provided a platform through which around 653 below poverty line inhabitants have been provided income generation avenue, which would ultimately lead to upliftment of their social strata and providing them quality lifestyle.”

Team Naraj Marthapur understands that this initiative is not an end in itself, rather it is a means towards the end. The team believes that this is only the foundation of a relationship, which needs to be strengthened through numerous such endeavours to be taken in future.