Respect for nature

At Mithapur, the vast acres of salt pans are nurtured as a nesting habitat for thousands of migratory birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise in the winter months. The waters of the Gulf of Kutchch are an acknowledged marine sanctuary where the company funds conservation projects focused on the endangered whale shark, marine turtles, mangrove habitats and the coral reefs of the Gujarat coastline. The whale shark project is a joint effort of Tata Chemicals with the Wildlife Trust of India and the government of Gujarat.

Eco-impact
Apart from preservation and conservation efforts, Tata Chemicals actively works towards reducing its impact on the surrounding ecology. What makes the company unique is a clear policy of `avoid, reduce and reuse' that governs its business practices. Resource optimisation, alternative sources of fuels and raw materials, and maximising `reuse and recycle' options play a key role in the policy. Tata Chemicals has assessed the carbon footprint of all its operations and is developing plans to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by 20 per cent, by 2020.

Water resources
Instead of depleting the scarce ground water resources of the drought-prone region, Tata Chemicals has opted for reverse osmosis technology at its Mithapur plant. The Babrala plant is a benchmark in low water consumption figures. Haldia has put up a condensate recovery system. All three plants have instituted measures to recycle and reuse waste water, harvest rain water, and reduce consumption. Tata Chemicals actively supports the community to harvest, conserve and optimise the use of water.

New products from old
Initiatives to control and limit effluents and waste from the chemical complex have led to the setting up of a cement plant on the site that converts waste material into high quality cement. A water management initiative for the Mithapur plant and township have led to the conversion of the waste product – salt – being processed and enhanced as a health product that offsets iodine deficiency.

Waste management
Tata Chemicals ensures that all its plants strive to minimise the discharge of effluents and go beyond meeting statutory norms for the quality of the discharge. Stringent solid and hazardous waste management processes are also followed at all plants.