(From L – R): Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Duddhi with Birla Carbon Renukoot employees

In the heart of Sonebhadra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, a block, Duddhi, once marked by water scarcity and neglected infrastructure, is now a shining example of rural development. Leading this transformation was Birla Carbon India’s Renukoot unit whose dedication to providing sustainable drinking water and environmental rejuvenation was formally recognized on March 17, 2026, at the Sub Divisional Magistrate office, Block, Duddhi, Sonebhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) presented Birla Carbon Renukoot with the Excellence in Rural Infrastructure Development award. The highlight of the award was the innovative solution of initiating a plantation drive around the revitalized community ponds.

The Challenge

Historically, this block suffered from acute drinking water shortage during the summer months. Village ponds, handpumps, and wells that were once the lifeline of the community, had become silted, polluted and largely dysfunctional. Residents, particularly women, had to walk kilometers to fetch potable water. The infrastructure development was stalled, and the surrounding land was barren.

The Intervention: A Two-Fold Approach

Under the guidance of local administration and the Jal Jeevan Mission framework, the Renukoot unit initiated a comprehensive project that combined technical infrastructure with environmental sustainability.

• Sustainable Drinking Water Facility – The team facilitated the installation of sustainable solar water pumps and rehabilitated the old tubewells and wells ensuring clean and daily supply of drinking water for every household.
• Plantation surrounding the pond – The unit, with the support of the block development team and the Gram Panchayat members, also launched a massive plantation drive around the ponds and planted over 4,500 saplings to prevent soil erosion and improve the microclimate.

The Impact

• Environmental Green Belt – The plantations around the ponds created a vibrant green belt, providing shade and improving the local ecology.
• Rural Infrastructure Development – The success of the project spurred community pride, with residents actively protecting the plantation and maintaining the cleaning schedule.

During his visit to inspect the village infrastructure, the SDM was highly impressed by the sustainable model implemented and commended the team for creating and nurturing the infrastructure. During the awards ceremony, he mentioned that “The initiative taken here is a blueprint for other blocks. By combining drinking water supply with greening of the surrounding ponds, you have addressed both immediate and long-term sustainability needs of the region. This is not just development; it is conservation.”

Moving Forward – This recognition has provided a massive boost to the CSR team to scale this model to other villages in the district, proving that with strategic planning and community effort, even the most blocked areas can thrive.