The 250MW REWA Ultra Mega Solar Plant is spread over 1,235 acres. 28 kms away from REWA city, Madhya Pradesh, is the Badwar village, with 1500+ residents.

This village could be classified as underdeveloped and the rate of unemployment reflects this fact.

Mahindra Susten’s work on any project goes beyond the project itself, and positively impacts marginalized communities and the environment. Susten’s CSR initiatives involve sustainable activities that reduce the carbon footprint and contribute more to the community.

Kirk Smith of UCLA estimates that inhaling the smoke of the ‘chulhas’ made of clay or stones, fuelled by firewood or dung, is the equivalent of smoking 400 cigarettes per hour. A WHO 2014 report states that this smoke kills 1.2 million Indians per year. The women in this village were suffering for this reason, and Susten helped them improve their health by distributing 400 energy-efficient stoves for cooking. This has also helped the forest dependency to reduce up to 50%!

Amongst other activities, the team also conducted several health camps for villagers to spread awareness among those who do not have access to basic healthcare necessities or knowledge about the diseases they could be suffering from, also reconstructing the primary healthcare which was on lockdown since 1.5 years, and which now runs on Solar Electricity.

The villagers were trained in making organic colours with the widely found Palash tree and to make ornaments from bamboo and latana. The team also organized skill development sessions for local women to ensure better job opportunities.

During the project, Mahindra Susten financed hygienic sanitation facilities for girls in the school by constructing functional washrooms. These created a positive impact on the level of education of girls within the community. These activities were appreciated by the locals as well as the Sarpanch and MLA of REWA, who shared their gratitude towards the organization.

Mahindra Susten’s CSR vision, ‘To serve and give back to the communities within which we work’ is evident in all the projects under their wings. The dedicated team of professionals repeatedly come together to not only ensure a high-quality level of work but also consistent care towards the local community.