"Each city is an archetype rather than a prototype, an exaggerated example from which to derive lessons for the typical," said American architect Robert Venturi. The cities and towns that the Tatas have created around some their industrial facilities reflect an originality in conception and execution that reflects the truth of Venturi's contention.

Mithapur and Babrala are unique in their own ways, different from one another in tone, tenor and character, but there is a similarity of principle that underpins them — mere functionality has taken a backseat to a blending of the practical and the aesthetic with the environment in which these townships are rooted.

There is more to the environment bit than the ground beneath and beyond where the towns sit; there is what can be called the people factor. They are tangible manifestations of a commitment to employees that stretches much further than any formal or mandated contract. They are symbols of an all-encompassing relationship between company and employee that incorporates workplace, home and family. Just as importantly, they are catalysts for the development of the regions and the people surrounding their suburbs.

Tata Chemicals has created two centres around its operations: Mithapur in coastal Gujarat and Babrala in Uttar Pradesh. Distinct in layout and geography, Mithapur and Babrala serve the needs, and then some, of the company's chemicals and fertilisers plants respectively.

The Mithapur story began in 1939, when the Tatas took over the Okha Salt Works. Okhamandal, the region where Mithapur is situated, was an undeveloped and desolate place where many kingdoms and civilisations had thrived in the past. Mithapur, privately owned by Tata Chemicals, is part of the 5,398-acres of freehold land obtained in the 1930s from the government of the erstwhile princely state of Baroda.

The town square at Mithapur, from where roads branch out in many directions, is symbolic of the central place the company enjoys in this community comprising employees and their families, teachers and merchants. Spread across 663 acres of land, Mithapur enjoys the advantages of urban infrastructure along with the beauty of its idyllic surroundings.

A department within Tata Chemicals takes care of Mithapur's administration. This department is responsible for developing and maintaining residential houses, schools, medical facilities, public spaces and welfare and sports activities. Mithapur has a high school, three primary schools, two junior schools and one pre-school and together they provide education to some 8,000 children and employment to over 200 teachers.

A well-equipped hospital, a mobile clinic, a family-planning unit and child-immunisation centres look after the healthcare needs of company employees as well as the people living in the 42 villages of Okhamandal. Other facilities include a market with 300 shops, a hospital, cinema hall and six parks. The town has an assortment of parks and gardens to go with a 2-km-long beach and the two lakes at its outskirts attract a variety of migratory birds in the winter months.

Tata Chemicals operates all the municipal services in the town, and delivers an uninterrupted supply of electricity from its captive co-generation power plant. The company provides for the cultural and recreational needs of the community through the libraries, clubs, cinemas, playgrounds and public gardens it has established. To cater to the diverse needs of its staff and the local community, Tata Chemicals supports a large number of social and cultural institutions through grants.

Water is a precious commodity in Mithapur, which falls in the drought-prone Jamnagar district. Water is recycled back to a flush-pumping station and used to nourish plants and maintain gardens.

Fourteen hundred kilometres to the north of Mithapur, in the midst of a densely forested area, lies Babrala, developed in 1992 when Tata Chemicals' fertiliser plant was set up here.

This settlement is home to nearly 1,000 employees and their families. This, too, is an urban dwelling in a rural setting. Wide roads and a green environment characterise the town layout. Tata Chemicals has provided plenty of amenities in Babrala: spacious houses, a shopping centre, a clubhouse, a library, and health and sports facilities. The DAV Public School instructs students in both English and Hindi.

Environment is a key issue in Babrala and Mithapur, both of which are ISO-14001 certified. The emphasis is on waste reduction, proper garbage disposal and conservation of natural resources. Environmental awareness drives are held regularly and both towns have a 'no plastics policy'.