Concrete

We believe that every step makes a significant impact

Published

4 years ago

May 13, 2022

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Shashikant Kumar, General Manager (HR & IR), Udaipur Cement Works (a subsidiary of JK Lakshmi Cement), speaks about initiates taken and challenges faced in implementing corporate social responsibility programmes.

What is the vision of your organisation in terms of CSR?
To strengthen community relationships and to bring sustainable change in the quality of life of neighbourhood communities through innovative solutions in education, health, livelihood and community development. We define Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as the way a company balances its economic, social and environmental objectives, while addressing stakeholder expectations and enhancing shareholder value.
In continuation of the philosophy followed by JK Lakshmi Cement of giving back to the society much before the term corporate social responsibility was coined, Udaipur Cement Works, too, is actively involved towards social causes since its inception by working towards enriching the community living around the plants and mines, especially where the weaker sections of rural and tribal population have limited access to even the basic amenities. The community sustainable development programmes aim at the integrated development of such villages.

How does your organisation zero down on the projects it decides to take up for CSR activities?
CSR action plan is based on the survey reports, consultations with stakeholders and need identification. Based on this mapping, UCWL works closely with the communities to help prioritise their needs in three categories i.e., immediate plan, short term plan and long-term plan, so that the initiatives have effective and positive outcomes for the benefit of the community at large.

Tell us about the budgets allocated for CSR in the current and next financial year.
The procedure for budget allocation is based on priorities and need based analysis of the community. We do ensure that the allotted budget is utilised for the purpose and in the manner for which it is approved and expected to spend within that financial year. Our main verticals for CSR fund are health, water facility, education, learning and skill development. These verticals are covered under different projects such as UCWL Aryogya, UCWL Vidya Project, UCWL Kaushal Prashikshan Project, UCWL Swajal and Swachata Project and UCWL Gramin Vikas Project.

What social responsibilities and community building programmes are your organisations currently working on?
The major focus areas of intervention are education, healthcare, livelihood and community development and commitment towards the social cause which is positively contributing towards human development index.

What significant changes have your CSR activities brought in communities you support?
We believe that every small step makes a significant impact under social responsibility and community development. We created a real life changing story by supporting the community. During the Covid-19 period, we helped them out by distribution of masks, sanitiser and food kits. We are trying to cover all relevant subjects for community support such as skill development, education on sanitation, literacy, eye care, oral hygiene
Few examples are:
For Livelihood:

Selection of 75 Micro/ Small farmers
Six Workshops on ‘Agriculture Input for Rabi Crop’ participated by 125 beneficiaries
Soil testing at State Government Laboratory of all 75 Micro- Small farmers beneficiaries
Developed 75 Individual Farmer Development Plan
Pesticides support to 16 farmers
Door-to-door Veterinary Programme wherein 1711 cattle treated for free, and which

benefited 454 cattle owners

Veterinary Camp treated over 50 cattle
25 girls were trained in the 6-month training programme and 14 placed in BPO sector
26 Women beneficiaries trained in stitching

Community Infra:

Electrification of six Aanganwadi around the mines’ periphery
Toilet facility at Government Senior Secondary School, Mandesar
Repair and maintenance of Government Primary School, Talai, Mandesar

Medical

Organised 15 Medical Camps,which benefited 602 patients
Organised 2 Eye Camps, wherein 249 patients underwent eye check-up and 53 patients were provided with spectacles
Cotton masks, oximeter and PPE kits were provided to four Gram Panchayats, three hospitals and one government school

Tell us about the steps taken by your organisation to achieve net zero. How far have you achieved your targets?
Serving the society towards improving the quality of life of the community at large has always been a priority of the company. The concept of socially responsible business is deeply ingrained into our corporate DNA right from the initial years and till date we have pioneered and delivered several CSR projects for needy and vulnerable communities and families. The company works towards overall development and welfare of the society by focusing on areas such as health, sanitation, water, education, skill development and livelihood interventions. As the beginning of the financial year saw the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the company responded to this unprecedented crisis by taking several initiatives in collaboration with local panchayats and district administration. Number of food kits, sanitisers, cotton masks and hand wash were distributed to the needy families as well as sessions and meetings were organised to create awareness on Covid-19. The company also undertook multiple CSR activities like medical camps, skills training for the women and girls and supporting them for income earning under its flagship project ‘Swavalamban’, among others. Projects like farmers’ training, exposure visits and veterinary camps were organised to improve agricultural and cattle rearing practices to strengthen livelihoods of the marginalised families. These CSR projects have positively impacted the lives of the beneficiaries around the plant.

What is the expertise you employ to implement your CSR plans?
Currently we have recruited CSR professionals having more than 10 years of experience in
the development sector and two project experts as consultants.

How has the pandemic impacted your community building activities?
We stood up strongly with our stakeholders and nearby community. Although activities were stuck for a small period during complete lock down when movement was restricted. However, it was momentary. That time was crucial for everyone from an individual to an industry, everyone. Overall, the pandemic was a lesson for all of us and an opportunity for awareness among people about the importance of hygiene and sanitisation. We met with the local panchayat and district administration. We conducted awareness sessions, distributed a number of food kits, sanitisers and cotton masks for safety towards Covid-19 pandemic.

Tell us about the awards and accolades won by your organisation for CSR.

UCWL recognised with ‘National Award for Excellence under CSR in Best Community Action Category’
UCWL was awarded ‘Winner for 8th CSR India Award 2021’
UCWL received an Appreciation Certificate for contribution in ‘Ghar Ghar Aushadhi Vitran

Yojna’ of the Department of Forest; Government of Rajasthan. This scheme was designed for distribution of medicinal plants to state citizens.

What are the future plans for building communities and giving back to society?
Currently we are working in 6 villages only and planning to increase the number of villages to 27, with an integrated approach of socio-economic development for the community. Some major proposed projects are as mentioned below:

Project 1

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aarogya Project,

Purpose Statement: To deliver affordable/quality health care services & door stapes MMU MMU modal in partnership with H2H foundation 2 Camps per day (Monthly 25*2 camps) 600

Project 2

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Vidya Project,

Purpose Statement: To support around 300 needy students with a school kits simultaneously support Govt schools in primarily mines area with teachers support to bridge the shortfalls of teachers
Education School kit support – in 3 Govt primary Schools One time 300
Teacher support – 5 Govt Sr Secondary Schools Monthly 2
Repair & maintenance of Govt up-primary school, Bajajnagar – Plant area One time 1
PCC work @ Govt Primary school, Talai One time 1

Project 3

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aajivika Project,

Purpose Statement: Promoting Farm & Allied livelihoods through institution building, capacity building, skill development training, support services & other related initiatives. Animal Husbandry Door to door vet service Monthly 2500
Artificial insemination for cattle Monthly 1428
Vet Camp (Daroli, Toos, Ghupadi & Majawada) Qtr 16

Project 4
Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aajivika Project,

Purpose Statement: Promoting Farm & Allied livelihoods through institution building, capacity building, skill development training, support services & other related initiatives. Agriculture Development Agriculture Development Setting up Vermi Bed (Soil Improvement) One time 50
Capacity Building & Training of Farmers Monthly 24
Seed & pest support Twice in a Year 30
Exposure visit – Other district / State One time 50
Exposure visit – Inter district One time 50
Spray Pump with motor One time 4
Repair & maintenance cost of spray pumps One time 4
Spray Pump manual One time 4
Repair & maintenance cost of spray pumps One time 4
Plantation (SA) One time 1000
Access to Govt scheme One time 35
Training on Agri-allied activity to promote small business like Goatry/ Poultry/ Rabbit Keeping / Beekeeping / Mushroom Farming / Dairy Development – AI One time 60
Support to trained beneficiaries of agri-alied activity to promote small business – Goatry/ Poultry/ Rabbit Keeping / Beekeeping / Mushroom Farming / AI One time 30

Project 5

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Kaushal Parshikshan Project,

Purpose Statement: Provide Skill training & coaching support to 350 youths in various trades. Skill Development RSCIT – Rajasthan State Course In Information Technology Diploma to increase the IT education level for Job Readiness.
Three months training, Examination & certification Qtr 120
Skill training for women (Beautician & Tailoring) Qtr 120
Salary of teacher Competitive / coaching classes & other running exp Monthly 50
Projector One time 1
Computer for teacher One time 1
Training in Technical trades Qtr 10

-Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Lodha Signs Joint Development Agreement For Parel–Sewri Land

Deal covers 10 acres at Rs 3,640 million (mn)

Published

14 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Lodha Developers has signed a joint development agreement with Sahana Group for a 10-acre parcel in the Parel–Sewri corridor of Mumbai. The agreement is valued at Rs 3,640 million (mn), reflecting the consideration reported for the transaction. The joint development arrangement will see the land owners and the developer collaborate on planning and construction while sharing development proceeds under the terms of the contract. The arrangement is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The site in Parel–Sewri occupies a strategic location within central Mumbai and offers opportunities for urban redevelopment given its proximity to transport links and established neighbourhoods. The parties have agreed to pursue statutory approvals and detailed project planning before commencing construction activity. The arrangement is described as a long-term development collaboration focused on unlocking the value of the site. Stakeholders will monitor progress as statutory milestones are reached.

For Lodha Developers, the deal reinforces its pipeline of land parcels available for development in the Mumbai metropolitan area and is expected to expand its capacity to deliver built assets. For Sahana Group, partnering with a developer on a joint development agreement provides a route to monetise land holdings while retaining a share in future realisation. The structure aligns incentives to complete the project efficiently and to move through planning milestones. Market reception and execution pace will shape the ultimate returns for both parties.

The financial terms and timetable for completion will depend on regulatory clearances and market conditions, with returns to be realised as phases of development are sold or leased. Both parties will need to coordinate with municipal authorities and service providers to meet infrastructure and compliance requirements. The agreement signals continued investor interest in central Mumbai land parcels and may encourage further collaborative ventures between land owners and developers. Further disclosures will be issued.

Concrete

Seppa Township Road Being Paved With Bituminous Concrete

Township road upgrade uses bituminous concrete

Published

14 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Work is underway to pave the main township road in Seppa with bituminous concrete, marking a significant upgrade to the local transport network. The project is being overseen by the district administration and carried out by municipal contractors using mechanised laying equipment. The initiative aims to replace older surface material that had become potholed and dusty, and to improve all weather access for residents and public services. Local officials have coordinated traffic diversions and site safety measures to minimise disruption during construction.

The work includes preparing the base, applying a bituminous concrete layer and compacting the surface to enhance load bearing capacity. Engineers are ensuring proper drainage and edge sealing to extend pavement life and reduce water ingress. The choice of bituminous concrete reflects considerations of durability and ease of maintenance in the local climatic conditions. Equipment on site includes pavers, rollers and material stabilisers operated by trained crews.

Residents and business owners along the route are expected to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced vehicle operating costs once the surface is completed. The administration has scheduled work to avoid peak movement hours and has informed local transport operators about temporary changes in stops and routes. Environmental precautions have been put in place to control dust and run off during construction and to dispose of surplus material responsibly. The project has also provided short term employment opportunities for local labour.

Officials said routine maintenance will be scheduled to preserve the new surface and that monitoring will continue to assess performance and inform future works. The improved road is intended to support daily mobility, emergency access and the movement of goods, contributing to broader local development goals. Authorities will review the outcome of the works and plan any necessary follow up interventions to maintain serviceability. Community members expressed relief at the reduced dust and smoother travel that the pavement is expected to deliver.

Concrete

Gautam Adani Inspects Godda 2,300 MW Power Plant

Inspection follows MP request and points to cement plan

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2026

admin

Gautam Adani visited Godda on Sunday to carry out a first inspection of the power plant in the district, where electricity generation of 2,300 megawatts (MW) is being undertaken through five units. The visit involved a walkthrough of production areas and technical installations and included meetings with senior plant executives. The inspection was described by officials as focused on operational readiness and optimisation of output.

Officials said the establishment of the plant followed a request from the local member of parliament, who provided cooperation during project development, and indicated that plans to establish a cement plant in Godda are likely to materialise soon. The electricity produced at the facility is currently being supplied to Bangladesh, and officials confirmed that the possibility of exporting power to other neighbouring countries is under consideration. Company representatives indicated that the project aims to balance regional energy demand with commercial export obligations.

During the review of all units, plant leadership set out steps to accelerate commissioning and enhance maintenance regimes to ensure sustained generation. The commissioning of the power plant has already been credited with contributing significantly to the development of Godda, and the proposed cement plant is expected to add industrial capacity and create large-scale employment in the region. Local authorities are monitoring progress with a view to aligning infrastructure improvements and workforce development.

Stakeholders expect the visit to accelerate operational momentum at the site and to clarify timelines for further investment and local supply arrangements. The inspection was followed by technical briefings and an internal review of safety and environmental practices to support reliable operations. Officials said subsequent measures will focus on connectivity, logistics and community engagement to ensure the project delivers intended economic benefits.