Last year in October, Alstom partnered with United Way of Bengaluru to launch a program called ‘Rural Rising’ as a part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. This program aims to promote integrated rural development in two locations in Gujarat, namely Manjusar Gram Panchayat in the Savli taluka of Vadodara district and Hathipura village in the Anklav taluka of Anand district.
The ‘Rural Rising’ project is a long-term effort that aims to enhance the overall situation of two gram panchayats in accordance with the indicators set by the Mission Antyodaya gap analysis of the Indian government. By considering the present status of the Mission Antyodaya indicators and validated data from the Human Development Index (HDI) through extensive communication with the village leaders and beneficiaries, the project has developed plans to address three key areas: Water, Health and Hygiene, Environment, and Livelihood in the Manjusar and Hathipura Gram Panchayats.
This program operates on a collaborative model and is designed to be implemented in remote regions and areas with developmental potential. The initiative is carried out in accordance with government policies and involves coordination with both public and private partners. The goal is to establish a comprehensive approach to development that will bring positive changes to the targeted communities.
An excellent example of successful partnership was showcased during a two-day volunteering event on February 21st and 22nd, where volunteers from Alstom (Baroda Unit), members of the local community, school students, and teachers came together to plant over four hundred saplings, covering a total area of 33000 sq feet, in two government schools located in Manjusar and Hathipura. The saplings, which included medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, and flowering plants, were aimed at enhancing biodiversity and raising awareness among people.
To enhance water, health, and hygiene in the targeted areas, a new campaign named “GendHer” has been introduced in government schools of two Gram Panchayats. United Way of Bengaluru is leading this campaign, which aims to educate 400 students, both male and female, from grades 7th to 12th about reproductive health, gender sensitivity, and inclusion, and promote a safe environment within the schools. The initiative includes the installation of four toilets in Hathipura Secondary Government School, which will benefit 200 female students and staff and address sanitation issues. The program emphasizes WASH interventions and is designed to bring about positive change. In Hathipura, an RO Water ATM capable of dispensing 750 liters of water per hour is being set up to provide safe drinking water to around 4500 residents in the Gram Panchayat.
During the event, Olivier Loison, the Managing Director of Alstom India, expressed his belief that promoting socio-economic development in communities can lead to a more sustainable living environment. He also stated that Alstom is pleased to collaborate with the local panchayats in identifying areas that require improvement and providing necessary support to the Manjusar and Hathipura villages through various interventions. This aligns with their long-term goal of making a positive impact and promoting holistic development of local communities throughout the country.
The program includes promoting sustainable energy practices in the community, which is a crucial aspect. As part of this effort, one hundred solar streetlights have been strategically placed in public areas. This initiative has provided illumination to the village without incurring any power costs and has enhanced the safety of community members, especially when traveling after 7 pm. The solar lights have facilitated night-time studying for children, enabled social gatherings for both men and women, and made it easier for people to return home late after festivals and marriage functions. According to Jaisinghbhai Chaturbhai Chauhan, Village Sarpanch, this intervention has had a significant positive impact on the community. Furthermore, this initiative can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and creating a cleaner environment.
As part of this program, interventions have been implemented to promote sustainable energy practices in the community. These interventions include the installation of solar streetlights in public areas and the establishment of solar-powered digital classrooms with digital curricula in two government schools located in Hathipura and Manjusar. These interventions have benefitted 800 students, and to conserve water, Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting systems have been installed in these schools. In addition, the program focuses on improving livelihoods in the community by training 40 women members of Self Help Groups in vocational skills, such as beautician and tailoring. A Tailoring Lab has been set up in the government school at Hathipura for interested students pursuing a vocational course, with 52 girls currently using the lab regularly.
The collaboration between Alstom and United Way of Bengaluru is aimed at promoting sustainable development in the two Gram Panchayats and enhancing the living conditions of their residents. The partnership is currently investigating ways to assist Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with mobility and livelihood. According to Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way of Bengaluru, their primary objective is to support the Gram Panchayats’ ongoing efforts to achieve a sustainable future.
