Solaris ChemTech Ltd. - Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility

Solaris Chemtech was awarded the National Award for Corporate Social Responsibility by TERI in 2006 for its education initiatives in Khavda, Kutch.

Our CSR activities are focused on developing the community in and around our plant sites in Khavda, District Kutch, Gujarat and in Karwar, Karnataka.

Khavda is located in the Pachham region of Kutch district, Gujarat. This region is far behind the rest of the district and the country on human development. From the beginning, Solaris has been actively involved in various activities to raise the human development levels in the region.

Education

We work with Pratham, an NGO focused on primary education, to educate the residents of the local villages around us. The initiative targets 52 villages around Solaris’ Khavda plant where scarce livelihood options exist. Literacy levels in this area are low due to lack of educational opportunities in the area. This compounded the livelihood issues. Our CSR team along with Pratham devised a multi-pronged approach to raise the educational level of children in the area, with special focus being given to the girl child. Starting from running classes at the village level, this goes on to assist students in his or her education in ITIs. This initiative has ensured that the message of education has reached every household the 52 villages reaching out to over 3,000 children. In 2006, Solaris initiated a school van to provide transportation to children from remote villages lacking connectivity.

Mobile Dispensary

We provide health facilities to 15 villages through a Mobile Health Clinic. Our doctor visits these remote villages for free medical checkups and also provides free medicines to the patients. The villagers here do not have access to a doctor due to non-functional PHC. Approximately 75-100 patients are examined daily.

Provision for drinking water

Potable water is a necessity in and around the Khavda, especially during the summer months. We provide these villages with potable water through tankers during this peak summer season.

Water resource management

We have constructed check dams covering two villages. This was in partnership with the Gujarat Ecology Commission.

Karwar is a coastal area and Solaris is the oldest industry in the area. The area has undergone many changes in the traditional means of livelihood in the last few years due to the establishment of the Indian Navy’s new base. A multi-pronged approach has been adopted along with our NGO partners to address the issues in the area. At the village level, community based organizations (CBOs) have been set up who take the lead role in programme implementation.

Livelihood Enhancement

We have created Community Health Falicitators (CHFs) by imparting training to people in herbal medicines by experienced people. These CHFs are able to identify shrubs, prepare medicines, and generate income through sale of these medicines. Not only does this provide people with a source of livelihood, but it also enhances the health in the region.

Community Managed Health Care

The community supports these CHFs through a honorarium contributed by each household and by Solaris.

Community Based Education Initiatives

Considering the increasing drop-out rate in the area along with the low skill level of the children, the community decided to initiate further training to the chidren. Evening classes and summer camps are held to enhance the childrens skill and knowledge levels.

Community Awareness – AIDS/HIV, Alcohol De-Addiction

To address the AIDS epidemic, Solaris initiated an AIDS/HIV awareness and detection programme in 2006. This programme is targeted towards truck drivers, employees and the community. A three-pronged approach has been adopted to increase awareness levels, prevention through utilization of contraceptives, and detection. We have further initiated awareness for alcoholics, started alcoholics anonymous meetings for recovering alcoholics, and supported medical aid in the de-addiction process.