For communities dwelling in Andhra Pradesh’s arid and semi-arid regions, drought is a frequent and serious livelihood challenge. Rayalaseema is one such region in the state, also home to our integrated cement unit Andhra Pradesh Cement Works (APCW). In line with UltraTech’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) philosophy, the unit has tailored an Integrated Watershed Project, to address the region’s drought related challenges. 

APCW undertook this Integrated Watershed project in partnership with The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). In February 2019, ICRISAT and APCW signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the same.

Through its community development interactions, APCW’s CSR team identified the need for enhancement of agricultural productivity through water conservation and livelihoods training in Rayalaseema region. The watershed project focussed on two villages in this region- namely Patnikota of Kolimigundla Mandal, Kurnool district and Ayyavaripalli of Tadipatri Mandal, Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

UltraTech Cement is committed to contribute to mitigation of climate change through a holistic approach of decarbonising its operations. Cement is a carbon-intensive industry and our efforts in the manufacture of cement across our units ingrain our approach to carbon reduction.

UltraTech has 22 integrated cement manufacturing units, 27 grinding units and one clinkerisation unit. Each of these units have implemented various initiatives such as digitalisation, alternative fuel & materials usage, and adoption of renewable energy sources to decarbonise their operations.

UltraTech Cement's Rajashree Cement Works' industrial training institute has helped provide new career opportunities to local youth. Bhimashankar Kolkur, 35, is quite the poster boy for youngsters in Sangavi village, located in Sedam block of North Karnataka's Gulbarga district.

The first in his village to enroll for the two-year Electrician course at the Kagina Private Industrial Training Institute (KPITI) in 2004, his example inspired others to seek livelihoods beyond farming. Now employed as an electrical technician at UltraTech's Rajashree Cement Works (RCW), he earns a steady income, a distant dream for most of his counterparts a decade back.

More women are now entering the buildings solutions sector, and breaking barriers as they pave way for future women talent. UltraTech is delighted to be part of this positive change. UltraTech has put in place a robust practice of ensuring gender diversity in its workforce.

The company has been taking several steps to create an inclusive work environment. The representation of women talent has been increasing across our functions, including manufacturing and sales, and across our businesses such as UltraTech Building Solutions and Ready-Mix Concrete.