Hyderabad, Jan 10, 2025: Gemini Edible & Fats India Limited (GEF India), makers of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, has taken an initiative to restore and preserve the Kotha Cheruvu lake in Andhra Pradesh, benefiting local biodiversity and the surrounding community.
GEF, in association with HMDA & Telangana Social impact Group/T-SIG (CSR Wing, Telangana Government) and related government bodies along with the representatives of Dhruvansh organisation (NGO), is implementing this environmental initiative to restore and rejuvenate the Kotha Cheruvu, a critical water body located in the Kokapet area.
The company has contributed Rs 1.20 crores towards the restoration and rejuvenation project. This initiative was unveiled by Sarfaraz Ahmad, Commissioner, HMDA, in the presence of Sreevatsa Kota, Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, HMDA, Mailaram Nagapurna, Chairman, Narsingi Municipality, T Krishna Mohan Reddy, Commissioner, Narsingi municipality, Archana Suresh, Director, T-SIG, along with Akshay Chowdhry, Group Vice President, GEF India, G Prathap, Director, GEF India and Madhulika Choudhary of Dhruvansh Organization.
Kotha Cheruvu has suffered from rapid urbanization and pollution. The lake, which is vital for the local ecosystem, has seen its water quality deteriorate due to sewage inflow and the growth of aquatic weeds. The restoration project focuses on cleaning the lake, improving water quality, and preserving local biodiversity using the latest sustainable and cost-effective technology. Furthermore, the initiative aims to raise awareness in the local community about the importance of sustainable water resource management and ecological conservation.
GEF India is working closely with the Dhruvansh Organization to implement long-term ecological restoration techniques such as water management, waste reduction, and habitat preservation. These measures will not only restore the lake’s natural beauty but will also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem, benefitting both aquatic and terrestrial life.
Sarfaraz Ahmad, Commissioner, HMDA and Mailaram Nagapurna, Chairman, Narsingi Municipality appreciated the contribution of GEF India and Dhruvansh towards restoration and rejuvenation of Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet. They highlighted that the initiative will enhance the local ecosystem and provide a valuable resource for the community, fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all. They also urged the people in the neighbourhood to ensure that they take up the role of protecting the lake from pollution after the restoration of the lake, and preserve it for the coming generations.
Akshay Chowdhry, Group Vice President, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Limited, said, “Through the adoption of Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet we are taking meaningful steps toward restoring a vital water body for the community. We are happy to associate with the initiative of the state government to restore and rejuvenate vital resources like the lake for the future generations and encourage sustainable growth of the state. We are proud to support such initiatives that not only preserve nature but also improve the quality of life for the people in this region.”
Adding to this, G Prathap, Director, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Limited, said, “At GEF India, sustainable practices and concern for the environment are ingrained in our corporate philosophy. Our manufacturing units in Kakinada & Krishnapatnam are zero liquid discharge plants. As an extension of this philosophy, we are delighted to associate with the initiative to restore and rejuvenate Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet, that will help conserve the biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem for the future generations.”
Archana Suresh, Director of T-SIG, said, "We are very pleased that GEF India has lent it’s support to conserve the ecological landscape in Hyderabad through the Kotha Cheruvu project in Kokapet. We are thrilled with this partnership that also serves as a testimony to successful CSR collaborations with the Telangana Government.”
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