Mahindra Sustainability Review 2009-2010


	Within the promised timeline, a 343-acre patch of barren brown was metamorphosed in to a lush landscape. Plus our AS Zaheerabad plant is reaping financial benefits.

TRANSFORMING A SEMI-ARID REGION
INTO A GREEN BELT

Located in a semi-arid area, AS Zaheerabad, spread over 343 acres, depended solely on groundwater for its requirements. Borewells to a depth of 450 feet supplied five lakh litres of water needed daily. In the year 2000, a year of water shortage, all the groundwater sources dried up and water had to be rationed. The viability of the plant was under threat as it became difficult to even supply water to the factory workers and their families residing in the colony.

Later, AS Zaheerabad resolved to consult experts from the ground water department, Govt. of AP as well as ICRISAT and came up with a comprehensive 10-year water management master plan involving watershed planning, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and large-scale tree plantation. The solution was unique as we channelised rain water for recharging under-ground water resources within our premises at a very low investment.

Work began in right earnest that year itself with constant monitoring. Re-usage and Re-cycling of waste water was introduced. Percolation tank areas were identified and dug, recharge pits were made and channels were dug to link catchments to dried open wells. Drip irrigation system was introduced to deliver water directly to the root zone of trees and reduce consumption. More than 1,10,000 saplings of native trees which required little water were planted on campus.

Over a period of time, due to the recharge efforts the groundwater table rose by 220 feet and groundwater is now available in open wells also. What began as a twin strategy of rain water harvesting and tree plantation has also resulted in bio-diversity enhancement making the plant carbon neutral, energy-efficient and water-efficient. The entire ecosystem has been transformed and regenerated.

At the plant, 90 acres of land has been devoted to tree plantations. Aviaries house a variety of birds and pets. An eco trail has been set up for employees and their families to take a walk amidst the nature's splendour. Lush green plantations, scenic lakes, picturesque landscaping, manmade waterfalls, all these have made the plant an epitome of beauty.

Other initiatives include building a community hall to seat 800 people using a low cost housing concept and obsolete auto components. On the same basis, an auditorium has been constructed for the school to seat 1,000 students. We have also installed a small swimming pool through a pre-fabricated process.

	Consistent increase in the average rainfall post the development of green belt

	Plant production has gone up from 6,000 in FY 2000 to 49,743 in FY 2010.

	Consistent improvement in ground water level

	Abundant and perennial water supply in the plant and colony

	Ambient temperature in this green belt is 2° C less than the vicinity

	Enhancement of biodiversity with a rich mix of native and exotic flora and fauna

Other Financial Benefits (FY 2009-10)

INR Lac

	Revenue generation from fruit bearing plants		Saving due to usage of ground water		Saving from usage of waste water for gardening		Total Savings
	1.75		62.70		16.6		81.05

	AWARDS & ACCOLADES
	'Excellent Water Management Unit Award' & 'Innovative Projects Award' at the National Award for Excellence in Water Management 2009 organised by the CII.
	Recognized by the Bird Watchers Society of India as a "must" location for bird watching.

	FUTURE PLANS
	A check dam to save rain water is being planned at the truck parking area. A rainwater harvesting pit at the technicians colony is also on the anvil.
	Tree plantation of 30,000 trees in FY 2010-2011 in and around Zaheerabad plant and covering of 50 acres land
	Make the Zaheerabad plant a zero discharge plant