The Ore, Mines & Quarries (OMQ) Division of Tata Steel celebrated “World Biodiversity Day” under this year’s theme of ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’ at the Noamundi Recreation Club on May 22, 2017. Mr S K Gupta, Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, Jamshedpur, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Joining him were Mr Ashutosh Kumar, IFS, District Forest Officer, Chaibasa, Mr Vishwanath Shah, IFS, Conservator of Forest, Chaibasa, Mr Pankaj Satija, General Manager (OMQ), Tata Steel.

Aimed at sensitising communities, especially children, about the importance of preserving and protecting biodiversity, the OMQ Division organised events at Noamundi, Joda and Khondbond. Key highlights of the events included expert knowledge sessions, and painting and elocution competitions as well as a quiz for school children on the subject of biodiversity.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Gupta lauded the efforts of Tata Steel towards promoting conservation of biodiversity. He also urged children to plant at least one tree in their names before the monsoon season in order to increase the green cover.

Reinforcing Tata Steel’s commitment towards conservation, enhancement and restoration of biodiversity, Mr Satija said, “We are sensitising all sections of society towards conservation and values of biodiversity by organising awareness sessions, competitions and other engagement activities. We are reaching out to local communities for strengthening and protecting their traditional knowledge bank on biodiversity. This is a step towards meeting the National Biodiversity targets.”

Renowned scientists and experts on Biodiversity Dr Dishant Parasharya, Scientist, Marine Conservation Department, Bombay Natural History Society, Dr Justus Joshua, Wildlife Ecologist, Member of IUCN, Mr Nahar Muhammed, Ecotourism Specialist, Sikkim & Uttarakhand Tourism and Mr Vipul Sharma, Member of IUCN graced the event as guest speakers and led the expert knowledge sessions held at Noamundi.

In order to make the programme more exciting, Odisha’s famous Gotipua dance was performed at Noamundi and Joda. Similarly, in a day-long programme at Khondbond village, various competitions, a traditional dance show and a screening of biodiversity film were organised for school children. Prizes were given to students at the end of the programme in each of these locations.

About Tata Steel

Tata Steel Group stands among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 28 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA) and a turnover of US $17.69 billion in FY16. It is the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and commercial presence in over 50 countries. Established in 1907, the Group’s vision is to be the world steel industry benchmark in “Value Creation” and “Corporate Citizenship” through the excellence of its people, approach and overall conduct. Underpinning this vision is a performance culture committed to aspiration targets, safety and social responsibility, continuous improvement, openness and transparency. 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. Besides being one of ‘worldsteel’s’ Climate Action members, it has also been awarded the CII ITC Sustainability Prize, the ‘Best-in-class Manufacturing’ by TIME Award, the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant, among several others.

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