BOARD’S REPORT 127 Executive Summary of Impact Assessment Reports A brief outline of projects for which Impact Assessment was carried out and the Executive Summary of Impact Assessment Reports are given below: Project Hariyali Project Hariyali, initiated in 2007, is the Group’s flagship afforestation program aimed at enhancing green cover and addressing ecological imbalance. In 2010, the project expanded to the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to develop a functional forest for the tribal community by planting 19 varieties of fruit, forest, and shade trees. Since 2022, Project Hariyali has extended its reach to Solan in Himachal Pradesh, Tarn Taran and Moga in Punjab, Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh, and Wardha in Maharashtra. 2,51,33,314 trees have been planted through Project Hariyali since inception. In FY 2022-23, 13,12,425 trees were planted in Araku Valley, Vishakhapatnam under this project. The impact assessment study was undertaken for tree plantation done in FY 2022-23 in Araku Valley, Vishakhapatnam. Impact assessment process has highlighted the following outcomes: ● The study showed a phenomenal sapling survival rate of 95.56%. ● Regenerative agriculture practices propagated in Hariyali project such as the application of high-quality carbon-rich compost, soil biodiversity restoration and organic matter rebuilding by planting fruit, forest and shade trees for coffee plantation have contributed to long-term impact of soil regeneration and improved biodiversity. ● The project has transformed degraded, dry, thorny terrain into areas with increased tree cover, reducing temperature around the homestead and preventing soil runoff. ● Trees like jackfruit, lemon, sweet lime, guava and mangoes are popular choices, providing for personal consumption of farmers thereby supplementing their nutritional needs and income opportunities through weekly markets. ● Improved understanding of farm ecology is evidenced in survival rates, best practices for pest control, and soil fertility enhancement. ● As part of impact assessment, Project Hariyali has been awarded the Platinum rating for FY 2022-23 by BlueSky Sustainability Business LLP (NABCB accredited “Type A” Inspection body). The platinum category of CSR performance demonstrates: 1) Sustainability commitment; 2) Leadership visionary on social responsibility; and 3) Stakeholder partnership and multiorganisational alliances. Project Nanhi Kali The Company partnered with K. C. Mahindra Education Trust and Naandi Foundation to provide comprehensive support to the underprivileged girls studying in Classes 1 to 10. Through the Nanhi Kali after school academic support classes (ASCs), each girl received access to an AI-powered personalised adaptive learning software preloaded onto digital tablets, that matched instructions to the learning levels of each girl, ensuring that she learnt with understanding. Additionally, every girl was given a school supplies kit which also included feminine hygiene materials for secondary school girls, enabling them to attend school with dignity. A professionally designed sports curriculum was integrated into the program to promote holistic development. During FY 2021-22, 5,050 girls were supported across 5 states by the Company. Stakeholder and beneficiary engagement during the impact assessment process has highlighted the following outcomes for projects initiated in FY 2021-22: ● 99% of Nanhi Kalis showed increased interest in studies due to Academic Support Centres. ● Improvements in learning levels were noted in all beneficiaries, with 61% in local language, 48% in Mathematics, and 53% in English showing increased learning levels. ● 100% of Nanhi Kalis expressed feeling happiest when learning through a tablet since it makes learning exciting and easy. ● 91% of Nanhi Kalis shared that they felt motivated to study due to the support provided by Community Associates. ● 99% of Nanhi Kalis expressed satisfaction with the school kit (school bag, stationery, pullover, raincoat) provided to them. During the in-depth interviews with them, it was noted that they are now more aware of good hygiene and have replaced cloth material with good sanitary napkins. ● 95% of Nanhi Kalis engaged in sports and extracurricular activities, leading to improvement in physical and mental health. ● 96% of Nanhi Kalis were able to continue their studies even during COVID-19 due to support provided by community associates who maintained regular contact with parents through instant messages and regular visits with proper precautions. This ensured continued learning for Nanhi Kalis during COVID-19. Mahindra Scholarship for UWC Students Your Company partnered with The Mahindra United World College, India (MUWCI) to give an opportunity to young
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