HCLFoundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of <a href="https://www.hcltech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HCLTech</a>, is backing the National T20 Tournament for the Visually Impaired, a breakthrough five-day event running through Feb 19 in Pune that aims to champion inclusive sports across India.



The tournament, organized by <a href="https://www.pbmapune.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Poona Blind Men&#8217;s Association </a>(PBMA) and the<a href="http://: https://www.cricketforblind.com/"> Blind Cricket Association (BCA)</a>, brings together eight state teams competing at Deccan Gymkhana Ground and Tembekar Ground in Padmavati.



Teams from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab are vying for elite status in the visually impaired cricket tournament, which has evolved from a state-level competition into a nationally recognized platform since its 2011 inception.



&#8220;Since its inception in 2011, the T20 Blind Cricket Tournament has grown from a state-level competition in Pune to a nationally recognized platform, hosting multiple state, national and international events—including World Cup league matches and national team selections,&#8221; said Ravi Wagh, President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in Maharashtra.



The event provides comprehensive support to athletes, including accommodation, meals, travel assistance, medical care, sports kits and local transport throughout the tournament.



Rajesh Shah, President of PBMA, said the organization has consistently championed inclusive sports, providing athletes with visual impairments competitive opportunities across India.



Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director at HCLFoundation, said the visually impaired cricket tournament reinforces the foundation&#8217;s belief in sports as a tool to expand access and unlock potential.



&#8220;For the past decade, <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/news/hcl-foundation-flags-off-sports-for-change-team-bus-in-chennai/289" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sports for Change</a> has enabled inclusive sports pathways across India, with strong focus on gender inclusion, grassroots development and elite coaching,&#8221; Pundhir said.



HCLFoundation&#8217;s Sports for Change initiative empowers young athletes from underserved communities and has reached over 64,000 athletes, with 25 <a href="https://www.paralympicindia.org.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">para-athletes</a> representing India internationally. The foundation has invested nearly 20 million rupees (USD 240,000) in para sports programs.



The tournament has previously hosted World Cup league matches and served as a selection ground for national team members.

HCLTech champions visually impaired cricket tournament

By Eldee



Markets regulator SEBI has proposed slashing the minimum investment by individual investors in Social Impact Funds (SIFs) to an accessible Rs 1,000 from Rs 2 lakh, in a bold move to boost retail participation and deepen the <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/social-stocks/sebi-tightens-rules-for-indias-social-stock-exchange-to-boost-transparency/950" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Social Stock Exchange (SSE) </a>ecosystem.



Issued on February 9, 2026, the consultation paper outlines reforms to make social finance more inclusive, following recommendations from the Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee (SSEAC). The changes aim to encourage greater involvement from not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) and small investors in funding social causes.



Key proposals include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Reducing the minimum investment threshold in SIFs (which invest in SSE-registered NPO securities) from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 1,000 under SEBI (AIF) Regulations, aligning it with the existing Rs 1,000 minimum for Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) applications.</li>



<li>Extending NPO registration validity on the SSE (without active fundraising) from two years to three years.</li>



<li>Lowering the minimum subscription requirement for ZCZP issuances to enhance fundraising ease.</li>
</ul>



These steps build on the <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/social-stocks/indias-social-stock-exchange-gains-traction-attracts-diverse-investors-2/520" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SSE framework </a>operationalised since 2023 under SEBI&#8217;s (ICDR) and (LODR) Regulations, plus related circulars like the January 2026 Master Circular.



SEBI has invited public comments on the proposals and draft circular. Submissions can be made via the <a href="https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/publiccommentv2/PublicCommentAction.do?doPublicComments=yes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online portal </a>or emailed to consultationcfd@sebi.gov.in.



The consultation remains open (typical 21-day period suggests comments likely due early March 2026; check the official SEBI page for the precise deadline).

SEBI proposes Rs 1,000 SIF investment to boost Social Stock Exchange

<a href="https://www.ambujafoundation.org/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.ambujafoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambuja Foundation</a>, backed by Ambuja Cements, hosted a high-impact breast cancer awareness and training camp in Kodinar, Gir Somnath, Gujarat.



The event was organised with the <a href="https://associationofbreastsurgery.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Breast Surgery UK (ABS)</a>, <a href="https://www.absi.in/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.absi.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Breast Surgeons of India (ABSI)</a>, Gir Somnath District Health Department, and Gujarat Medical Council.



Dignitaries included Nilesh Jajadia, IPS (IGP Junagadh), representatives from Adani Cements and Ambuja Foundation, senior oncologists from Saurashtra, and health officials.



Building on earlier camps in Chandrapur and Bathinda, the programme has so far reached: 6,000 women, conducted 3,700 clinical breast exams, and identified &amp; referred 17 high-risk cases.



Over three days, international and national experts from ABS and ABSI trained 70 plus doctors, 200 plus Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ASHAs in self-breast examination (with prosthesis-based lump detection practice), early diagnosis, and treatment protocols. On day three, 130 plus women received examinations and counselling, while trainees practised under supervision.



Gujarat has reported &#8211; 54,000 breast cancer cases in the last five years; cervical and ovarian cancers also remain high in Saurashtra, especially among women 18–30.



Since launching NCD cancer interventions in 2023, Ambuja Foundation has expanded evidence-based awareness and capacity building.



“Since 2023 we’ve worked closely with ABS, ABSI and Gujarat Medical Council experts. We aim to scale this life-saving programme across more rural locations,” said Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation.



“This partnership with Ambuja Foundation has significantly expanded our breast cancer awareness reach in rural India. We remain committed to sharing expertise with frontline health workers,” said Dr. Leena Chagla, FRCS, Past President-Elect, ABS UK.



“It has been inspiring to witness Ambuja Foundation’s commitment first-hand. With Dr. D G Vijay, ABSI President, joining us in Gujarat, we have strengthened the foundation for long-term impact,” added Dr. Sarah Downey, President, ABS UK.



Dr. D G Vijay, President, ABSI, affirmed: “As a Gujarati and ABSI President, I am fully committed to sustaining and expanding this vital initiative.”

Ambuja Foundation leads breast cancer awareness drive in Gujarat

By Eldee



As the <a href="https://indiaai.gov.in/summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India AI Impact Summit </a>2026 kicks off in the capital from February 16, AI-Driven CSR is emerging as a game-changing force in India&#8217;s social development landscape. Artificial intelligence is powering a profound revolution, turning corporate giving into smarter, more scalable and high-impact interventions that deliver real, measurable change.



In FY 2023-24, CSR spending reached new heights with a record Rs 34,000 crore poured into over 59,000 projects — a strong 12 percent surge year-on-year, per <a href="https://www.mca.gov.in/content/mca/global/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of Corporate Affairs data. </a>Education commands 38 percent of spending, followed by healthcare, environment and livelihoods.



Many leading firms decisively exceed the 2 percent mandate, channeling resources through foundations for strategic, transformative alignment with national priorities.



Reforms have added serious muscle: mandatory third-party impact assessments, the transparent <a href="https://www.csr.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National CSR Data Portal</a>, and the <a href="https://www.nseindia.com/social-stock-exchange" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Social Stock Exchange </a>unlocking fresh NGO funding channels. The era of checkbox compliance is giving way to outcome-focused, high-impact philanthropy.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>AI is the decisive accelerator here. Forward-looking Indian companies are harnessing it to amplify efficiency and reach:</li>



<li><a href="https://www.infosys.org/infosys-foundation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infosys Foundation</a> deploys AI for personalised rural learning, predicting outcomes to target interventions with precision.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.tcs.com/who-we-are/corporate-social-responsibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TCS </a>powers remote healthcare chatbots and disaster analytics.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.hul.co.in/sustainable-living/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hindustan Unilever</a> uses image recognition to revolutionize waste segregation and recycling.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.reliancefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reliance Foundation</a> combines AI with blockchain for traceable e-waste management.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.intel.in/content/www/in/en/company-overview/corporate-responsibility.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intel India</a> drives &#8220;AI for All&#8221; skilling to boost nationwide employability.</li>
</ul>



These initiatives echo global trailblazers —<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-earth" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Microsoft AI for Earth </a>tackling climate challenges, <a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/google-org/ai-disaster-response/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google crisis mapping</a>, IBM sustainability models — but are uniquely anchored in India&#8217;s mandatory CSR framework and <a href="https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/dec-2021/business-responsibility-and-sustainability-reporting-by-listed-entities_55355.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRSR reporting</a>.



Pioneering NGOs like <a href="https://marpufoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marpu Foundation </a>showcase the transformative potential: AI-driven real-time dashboards for fund tracking, beneficiary verification, automated need-matching and volunteer coordination. Predictive models forecast dropouts and pollution trends, enabling proactive, high-impact spending. The outcome is amplified accountability, minimized leakages and human effort supercharged — never replaced.



Challenges persist: funds still concentrate in industrial zones, AI adoption remains uneven among tech-savvy giants, and data privacy, bias and digital divides demand urgent safeguards.



The India AI Impact Summit 2026 arrives at the perfect moment to pioneer solutions. With global visionaries and policymakers converging under the banner of People, Planet and Progress, the summit must champion inclusive AI-Driven CSR policies: incentives for mandatory spending integration, robust public-private-NGO partnerships for localised models, expanded ethical skilling at scale, and firm benchmarks for responsible deployment.



India’s <a href="https://indiaai.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IndiaAI Mission</a> already provides a solid foundation — indigenous models, compute infrastructure, capacity building. By positioning AI as essential infrastructure for CSR, not an optional luxury, India can lead the world in proving technology can accelerate equitable progress and fast-track the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goals.</a>



This summit is more than optics — it’s about defining commitments that convert bold promise into tangible change for millions. In this pivotal moment, India stands poised to demonstrate that innovation and inclusion are not trade-offs — they are powerful allies. The opportunity is immense. The time to seize it is now.

AI-Driven CSR: India&#8217;s tech leap for social good as Impact Summit begins

<a href="https://www.unitedbreweries.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Breweries Limited (UBL)</a>, a subsidiary of <a href="https://www.theheinekencompany.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HEINEKEN</a>, has inaugurated its flagship transformative CSR initiative, Project Jal Shakti, in Sangareddy district, Telangana.



The project, implemented in partnership with <a href="https://bharatcares.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BharatCares</a>, focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing groundwater recharge, and boosting biodiversity across six gram panchayats: Malkapur, Kothlapur, Guntapalley, Gopulapuram, Haridaspur, and Malepally.



As part of Project Jal Shakti, two renewable energy-powered Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been established to empower farmers and local communities.



The CoEs offer training in sustainable farming practices, soil and water conservation techniques to improve crop productivity. Equipped with automatic weather stations for real-time data and soil testing laboratories, the centres enable data-driven, efficient agriculture.



To bolster water security, the initiative includes constructing a new check dam, rejuvenating an existing one, and deepening/widening three irrigation channels. Additionally, over 1,200 native saplings are being planted to aid ecosystem restoration.



The inauguration event featured key attendees including Geetu <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garima-singh-ubl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gidwani Verma </a>(CSR &amp; ESG Committee Chairperson, UBL), Yolanda Talamo (CSR &amp; ESG Committee Member, UBL), Garima Singh (Chief Corporate Affairs, UBL), Bhomik Shah (Trustee, BharatCares), and Pentani Praveen Kumar (Sarpanch, Kothlapur Gram Panchayat).



Garima Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at UBL, stated: &#8220;Project Jal Shakti reflects our long-term commitment to sustainable agriculture and water stewardship. By integrating farmer training, water infrastructure, agroforestry, and Centres of Excellence, we are building resilient livelihoods and restoring ecosystems through impactful partnerships.&#8221;



Bhomik Shah of BharatCares added: &#8220;We are collaborating closely with communities to advance sustainable farming and water availability. The CoEs will drive long-term resilience for regional farmers.&#8221;



Project Jal Shakti aligns with UBL&#8217;s broader sustainability efforts as India&#8217;s largest beer producer, marketing brands including Kingfisher and Heineken variants, alongside non-alcoholic beverages.



BharatCares, the social impact arm of CSRBOX Group, ranks among India&#8217;s top social organizations, emphasizing innovation, scalability, and collaborations to tackle education, employability, rural infrastructure, healthcare, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and road safety.

UBL launches transformative project Jal Shakti in Telangana

Naveen S Garewal



In recent parliamentary sessions, a familiar pattern has emerged: Members of Parliament routinely seek granular details on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending within their Lok Sabha constituencies. <a href="http://Sansad.in Lok Sabha Questions">Questions </a>range from development works by specific sugar mills in Valmikinagar, Bihar, to targeted interventions in backward or Scheduled Caste-dominated areas of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and even proposals for district-level “CSR project banks” in Amroha to align with local needs in drinking water, sanitation, schools, and skills training. 



The Ministry of Corporate Affairs responds with consistent restraint: CSR expenditure according to parliamentary constituency is not maintained centrally. The framework under the Companies Act, 2013, remains disclosure-based and board-driven. Companies file annual details in the MCA21 registry, and aggregates — state-wise, district-wise, sector-wise, company-wise — are publicly accessible on <a href="http://www.csr.gov.in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.csr.gov.in</a>. 



The government issues no directives on where or how corporates should spend, nor does it track spending by political boundaries or specific communities. This position is not bureaucratic evasion; it is a deliberate design choice that deserves defence. 



The intent of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, was never to create a parallel public funding stream under parliamentary oversight. CSR emerged as a statutory nudge for profitable companies to contribute to society, with boards — advised by CSR committees — deciding priorities based on business strategy, operational footprint, and Schedule VII activities. 



A key guiding principle is preference for local areas around operations, but this is advisory, not mandatory. The regime seeks to harness corporate resources for social good without turning CSR into government-directed allocation. Parliamentary constituencies are political constructs, redrawn periodically through delimitation exercises. 



They rarely align neatly with administrative units like districts or company operations. Imposing central tracking at this level would demand additional compliance burdens — mapping multi-site projects, verifying boundaries, auditing overlaps — on thousands of companies. The cost would outweigh benefits, especially when district-level data already enables scrutiny of local impacts. More critically, constituency-level granularity risks politicising CSR. 



Persistent questions from MPs reflect understandable constituency pressures: elected representatives want visible development in “their” areas. Yet formalising such tracking could foster expectations of informal quotas or invite lobbying, turning a corporate responsibility into an extension of electoral politics. 



Evidence already hints at distortions — higher CSR flows in election years or ruling party strongholds. Codifying constituency data might amplify these tendencies, undermining the board-driven ethos and inviting misuse. 



Transparency exists where it matters. The csr.gov.in portal offers robust, verifiable data: over Rs 4,000-5,000 crore annually from PSUs alone in recent years, spread across states and sectors. District-wise breakdowns allow MPs, civil society, and citizens to analyse flows and advocate for better alignment with local needs. If imbalances persist — say, in aspirational districts or SC/ST areas — the solution lies in incentives, guidelines, or voluntary campaigns, not central mandates that erode corporate autonomy. 



The government’s refusal to maintain constituency-wise data upholds a vital distinction: CSR supplements, but does not substitute, public expenditure or schemes like MPLADS. Politicising it further would blur lines between private philanthropy and state welfare, potentially deterring genuine corporate engagement.



 In an era when development rhetoric often outpaces outcomes, resisting micro-political oversight of CSR preserves its potential as flexible, innovative social investment. Parliamentarians would serve their constituents better by pushing companies directly, leveraging public data, or strengthening convergence with government programmes — rather than demanding a tracking system that the law never envisioned and good policy should avoid. include focus keyword in title and throughout the story

Why CSR should not be mapped to parliamentary constituencies

By Eldee



Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending in India&#8217;s 112 Aspirational Districts — the backward regions identified by NITI Aayog for accelerated development — grew by nearly 20 per cent in FY 2023-24, reaching Rs 1,521.44 crore from Rs 1,265.36 crore the previous year, according to the latest data tabled in Parliament by the <a href="https://services.india.gov.in/service/ministry_services?cmd_id=670&amp;ln=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of Corporate Affairs</a>.



The figures, part of a Rajya Sabha response in early February 2026, reflect a gradual shift towards channelling private sector resources into underdeveloped pockets, even as overall national CSR expenditure climbed to Rs 34,908.75 crore in FY24 from Rs 30,932.08 crore in FY23.



<a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/news/bhel-4-psus-doing-csr-work-in-41-aspirational-districts/269" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aspirational districts</a>, which account for some of the country&#8217;s highest poverty and lowest human development indices, continue to receive only about 4-4.5 per cent of the total CSR pie — a share that has more than tripled over the past decade from around 1.3 per cent but remains modest given the scale of need.



The data highlights stark regional and district-level variations. Jharkhand emerged as the top recipient among states, with its aspirational districts attracting around Rs 317 crore in FY24 (up from Rs 263 crore), driven largely by industrial and mining-linked contributions.



Districts such as Purbi Singhbhum (Rs 94.20 crore) and Ranchi (Rs 80.65 crore) remained heavyweights, benefiting from proximity to corporate operations in steel, coal and heavy industries.



Madhya Pradesh followed closely, with Singrauli topping the national list at Rs 114.29 crore in FY24 — the single highest district allocation — underscoring the influence of energy and mining sectors.



Other notable performers included Uttarakhand&#8217;s Haridwar (Rs 75.80 crore) and Maharashtra&#8217;s Gadchiroli, which saw a dramatic jump from Rs 14.55 crore to Rs 70.15 crore, likely tied to increased focus on tribal and forested areas.



Yet the pattern reveals persistent clustering. A handful of districts — often those with resource extraction or strategic industrial presence — captured a disproportionate share, while many remote or low-activity aspirational districts received negligible funds.



Several, including Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh, Bijapur and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh, and Yadgir in Karnataka, recorded zero or near-zero spending in both years. Others, like Sirohi in Rajasthan, saw sharp declines (from Rs 50.97 crore to Rs 20.67 crore).



Experts point to the voluntary, board-driven nature of CSR under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which encourages but does not mandate spending in specific geographies beyond preferring local areas around operations.



Government-owned companies have been more proactive, directing a higher proportion (around 11 per cent in recent analyses) to <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/woman-and-child/transformative-malnutrition-csr-efforts-nddb-conclave/1296" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aspirational districts</a> compared to private firms.



Reports from think tanks such as Sattva Consulting note that while private corporations now contribute the majority of aspirational district funding — led by BFSI and energy/mining sectors with natural rural linkages — the overall flow remains aligned more with business footprints than pure equity considerations. Three-fourths of district-mapped CSR often concentrates in metros, Tier-1/2 cities or industrial hubs with lower poverty levels.



NITI Aayog&#8217;s Aspirational Districts Programme, launched in 2018, has used real-time monitoring and convergence with central schemes to drive improvements in health, education, nutrition and infrastructure across these regions.



The rising CSR inflows complement these efforts, but stakeholders argue for stronger nudges — such as better alignment with district priorities, multi-year commitments and incentives for non-core area spending — to ensure more equitable distribution.



The Ministry maintains that CSR data is publicly available on csr.gov.in, empowering transparency and stakeholder scrutiny. As national CSR totals approach Rs 35,000 crore annually, the challenge remains translating incremental gains in backward districts into transformative, sustained impact amid uneven corporate priorities.

CSR flows to India&#8217;s aspirational districts rise 20% in FY24, but concentration persists in mining hubs

A groundbreaking study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has uncovered an alarming Western Disturbances shift, with these vital weather systems—traditionally tied to winter snowfall—now exerting greater influence during pre-monsoon months, heightening threats to climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and water security in northern India.



 Published in the International Journal of Climatology, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.70272" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the research </a>reveals that Western Disturbances are becoming more active beyond the cold season, traveling longer distances, absorbing higher moisture, and delivering intensified precipitation from March to May. 



This Western Disturbances shift, driven by climate warming, is reshaping precipitation patterns across the Himalayas and adjacent areas.



 Analyzing over seven decades of atmospheric and rainfall data, researchers identified significant changes in Western Disturbances pathways, including extended travel, enhanced moisture uptake, and stronger upper-level winds, which amplify rainfall intensity outside the traditional winter period.



 The alarming Western Disturbances shift elevates risks of flash floods, landslides, and extreme rainfall in the fragile Himalayan terrain, while disrupting long-term water availability for downstream regions.



 “Extreme events, such as the 2023 Himachal flood and the recent 2025 Uttarakhand flood, reflect the growing influence of these disturbances,” said Spandita Mitra, PhD Scholar at IIT Roorkee’s Department of Hydrology.



 Lead investigator Prof. Ankit Agarwal added: “Our analysis shows that Western Disturbances are undergoing significant seasonal and structural changes, particularly during the pre-monsoon period. This transition has far-reaching implications for water resources, extreme weather events, and disaster vulnerability in the Himalayas.”



 Prof K K Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, emphasized the need for proactive measures: “Scientific evidence such as this is crucial for rethinking climate resilience in ecologically sensitive regions. This study reinforces our commitment to translating insights into actionable strategies for sustainable development.”



 The researchers call for updated climate models, dynamic forecasting, and region-specific risk assessments to address the evolving patterns under a <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/sustainable-world/eco-survey-climate-finance-gap-structural-misalignment/1337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warming climate</a>.

Alarming Western Disturbances shift raises flood risks in Himalayas: IIT Roorkee study

In a massive show of community spirit for Swachh Bharat goals, <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/agri-food/hcl-foundation-jointly-with-up-govt-launches-training-center-for-farmers/317" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HCLFoundation</a> teamed up with Noida Authority to host Swachhata Mela 2026 here on Wednesday.



The event, held under the guidance of Noida Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh IAS, brought together over 5,000 people — school students, teachers, RWAs, sanitation workers, urban village residents, NGOs and officials — to celebrate the city&#8217;s strides in cleanliness and sustainable living.



Vandana Tripathi IAS, Additional CEO of Noida Authority, graced the occasion as chief guest. She stressed that lasting cleanliness needs strong systems, efficient services and active public participation. “In partnership with HCLFoundation, we are strengthening waste management while honouring sanitation workers. Swachhata Mela offers a key platform to engage communities and promote responsible behaviour for long-term clean-city goals,” she said.



The mela featured lively panel discussions and expert talks on waste segregation, circular economy and changing citizen habits. Students and community groups enthralled the crowd with cultural performances.



A special Swachhata Exhibition spotlighted the achievements of HCLFoundation’s My Clean City programme, showing real progress in sanitation, waste handling and behaviour change — thanks to strong backing from Noida Authority.



A moving highlight was the felicitation of sanitation workers (safai karamcharis), school students, teachers and Waste Champions for their tireless efforts in keeping Noida and Greater Noida spotless. Sanitation kits were handed out to more than 5,100 safai karamcharis.



Participating schools under the My Clean City Waste Champion programme were also honoured for spreading awareness and inspiring young citizens to act.



Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR at HCLTech and Director, <a href="https://www.hclfoundation.org/work-with-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HCLFoundation</a>, said: “Sustainable urban change comes from strong partnerships and empowered people. Cleanliness goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about shared responsibility, dignity and trust. Through <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/news/hclfoundation-plants-over-47-000-saplings-across-india-to-support-a-sustainable-planet/480" target="_blank" rel="noopener">My Clean City</a>, we drive large-scale behaviour change, and Swachhata Mela 2026 shows our dedication to inclusive, citizen-led solutions for resilient cities. I express heartfelt thanks to all Noida sanitation workers who keep our city shining.”



My Clean City is transforming urban sanitation in Noida and Greater Noida with science-based waste practices and wide community involvement. So far, it has sensitised nearly 750,000 citizens on good waste habits, trained over 61,000 stakeholders, and managed more than 50,000 tons of waste.



Key tech boosts include the Integrated Control and Command Center (ICCC) for operations, HomoSep robots for safe manhole/septic tank cleaning, and E-garbage loaders for efficient collection. Over 2,400 school students are active in the My Clean City Waste Champions Club.



The event reinforced how collective action can create cleaner, greener urban spaces across India.

Swachhata Mela 2026: Massive cleanliness drive in Noida

In a significant boost to rural livelihoods, the<a href="https://www.adanifoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Adani Foundation </a>has transformed irrigation access for farmer Sandeep Kumar in Ropa village in Himachal Pradesh through the Dhounkothi Watershed Project, implemented in collaboration with ACC, the cement major of the Adani Portfolio.



The initiative involved constructing 335 meters of cemented RCC channels to augment traditional &#8216;kuhls&#8217;, ensuring consistent water flow, reduced maintenance efforts, and enhanced water use efficiency. Previously, Sandeep and his family faced challenges in irrigating their fields due to erratic water supply and frequent repairs.



With the upgraded infrastructure now in place, Sandeep has diversified into high-value cash crops including lady finger, brinjal, turmeric, garlic, and more. This shift has boosted his annual agricultural income from Rs 31,600 to Rs 40,100, while saving valuable time and labour for other activities such as livestock rearing.



The project exemplifies how targeted infrastructure interventions can drive sustainable change. By partnering closely with local communities, panchayats, and grassroots organisations, the <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/agri-food/ambuja-cements-transformative-nutrition-awareness-bathinda-csr-initiative/1316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Foundation </a>and ACC are empowering farmers, building resilient villages, and promoting long-term agricultural productivity and resource access in underserved areas.



Such efforts highlight the growing role of corporate social responsibility in uplifting rural India and fostering <a href="https://www.csrvoice.com/post/education/acc-skill-development-empowers-gagal-youth-livelihoods/1247" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inclusive growth</a>.