Mumbai: In a move to strengthen India’s social infrastructure, yet another L&T-Unnati project – an integrated community development initiative – has been launched in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.
Mr Anup Sahay (Head - Corporate Strategy and Special Initiatives, L&T) launched the project, at a function held at Pachapalayam, in the presence of Dr S V Murugan (Director – National Agro Foundation), senior government officials, and community representatives.
National Agro Foundation (NAF) is a Tamil Nadu based NGO that L&T has partnered with for implementing the project that seeks to address the perennial water scarcity, absence of adequate sanitation facilities, and bolster agriculture in Sultanpet and Kinathukadavu blocks of Coimbatore by involving the local communities. With entry-point activities already started in April 2023, the project will be executed over a period of three-and-a-half years. It is aimed to benefit 8,000-odd villagers.
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Speaking on the occasion, Mr Anup Sahay said: "Given the erratic nature of monsoons in India, effective harnessing of rainwater is essential to meeting the country's growing demand for freshwater for both domestic and agricultural usage. As a priority, this project will address water and sanitation issues.
Additionally, as part of an integrated approach to community development, L&T-Unnati will endeavour to mitigate the barriers to quality education, healthcare and skill-building opportunities. The project seeks to empower the local community with appropriate know-how and self-governance mechanisms to ensure sustainability of all the welfare measures.”
Elaborating on the project approach, Dr S V Murugan said: "Involving the local community in the planning, execution, and sustenance of the project from the very beginning is crucial. One of the key elements to ensuring the success of the project is the active participation of the local community and the panchayat, strongly represented by all stakeholders of the community, in assuming ownership and maintenance of the infrastructure and capacities that will be created.”
The L&T-Unnati project encompasses construction of water and sanitation facilities, implementation of replicable indigenous mechanisms for harnessing water, initiating soil and water conservation measures, and conducting community awareness sessions for raising awareness on civic issues and promoting participation of women in decision-making. The project will also provide educational support to local schools and health development support to the community.
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