As part of its commitment towards sustainable development, Tata Steel is promoting the use of renewable energy. In line with this, the company has made use of solar energy to provide drinking water facilities in the villages across Noamundi and Katamati areas in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. In 2016-17, the company executed nine drinking water management projects through solar power system in the villages across Noamundi and Katamati areas, which are benefitting about 600 households.

3 solar powered drinking water projects have been implemented at Sarbil village and one each at Iterbaljori, Kotgarh, Gitilore, Jojo Camp and Bhangaon villages across Noamundi followed by one at Anand Bazar- Siyalijoda at Katamati. The solar pumps installed in these villages have replaced other water pumps like hand-pumps and diesel generator-powered pumps. The villagers are no more dependent on electricity for pumping water as water is made available to them with the use of renewable energy source.

Talking about the encouraging response of these projects, Mr Pankaj Satija, General Manager (Ore Mines & Quarries), Tata Steel said: “We are committed to deal proactively with the climate change issue by efficient use of natural resources and energy.  These projects have eased out water crisis in these villages and have improved the quality of life of the communities around our areas of operation.”

"We use to face drinking water crisis earlier but now with the help of solar energy, water is easily available via motor and is stored in a big tank. Now I just have to open the tap to fill water in vessels and bottles. I am thankful to Tata Steel for providing relief to us, especially during this time of the year”, says Savita Patra, resident of Makdia Hatting Village.

About Tata Steel

Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 27.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) as on March 31, 2017. It is the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries. The Group recorded a consolidated turnover of US $18.12 billion (INR 117,420 crore) in FY17. Tata Steel Group is spread across five continents with an employee base of nearly 74,000. Having bagged the Deming Application Prize and Deming Grand Prize for continuous improvement in 2008 and 2012 respectively, Tata Steel has now been recognised as the global ‘Industry Leader’ in ‘Steel category’ by Dow Jones Sustainability Index (2015). Besides being a member of the World Steel Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel has also been felicitated with several awards including the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2013-14 (received in 2017), Best Risk Management by CNBC TV18 (2016), ‘Best-in-class Manufacturing’ award from TIME India (2016) and the ‘Most Ethical Company’ award from the Ethisphere Institute (2016), IIM Sustainability Award (2015), among several others.

Disclaimer

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, economic conditions affecting demand/ supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/ or other incidental factors.

Kulvin Suri

Chief, Corporate Communications, India & SEA

Tata Steel

E-mail: kulvinsuri@tatasteel.com