Hyundai Motor India Foundation launches 'Eco-Gram' waste management program

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), inaugurated a waste management plant in Gurugram. The project has been implemented in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, Haryana State CSR Trust and Saahas, an acclaimed NGO. HMIF also inaugurated a waterbody rejuvenation project in collaboration with the GuruJal Society in the Gurugram district.

The projects were inaugurated by Nishant Kumar Yadav (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram. Speaking at the inauguration, Yadav said: "We laud efforts made by Hyundai Motor India Foundation to aid the Haryana government achieve a sustainable and clean future for the state. These initiatives are also a step towards achieving the administration's vision of making Gurugram a 'Swach and Smart City'. Programs such as the 'Eco-Gram' waste management program and pond restoration program are a key catalyst towards achieving India's net carbon neutrality targets by 2070."

Commenting on the inauguration, Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head, Corporate Affairs, HMIL, said: "Under Hyundai's global vision of 'Progress for Humanity', Hyundai Motor India Foundation aims to develop a sustainable and conducive environment. The 'Eco-Gram' project has been envisaged as an innovative solution to the city's waste management program. This program is a step towards reducing carbon emissions in the metropolitan city. With this initiative, we aim to resolve problems associated with waste management and achieve a reduction in waste dumping and burning. Additionally, biogas is produced as a by-product which is being converted into a renewable source of electricity. Eco-Gram is a self-sustainable model and a transforming factor of social change, aimed at making the city a role model in community waste management for other Indian cities."

"HMIF has also restored three ponds in Gurugram district. The ponds have been restored in Hariahera in Sohna, Palasoli in Pataudi and Tajnagar in Farrukhnagar block of Gurugram in collaboration with GuruJal Society. Cumulatively these three ponds will replenish 93 million liters of groundwater while treating 260 million liters of water. Additionally, over 450 trees and shrubs have been planted around the ponds, which will help reduce 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide while generating 84 tons of oxygen. It is also expected to enrich flora and fauna of the region, benefitting over 8,000 residents annually," he added.

'Eco-Gram' project envisages an alternate solution to waste management for the city of Gurugram. The Waste-Management facility has a capacity of processing 2 tons of wet waste and 5 tons of dry waste per day. This will enable the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram to save Rs 20-24 lakh per year, which would otherwise have been paid as a tipping fee at the landfill. The bio-gas produced as a by-product is being converted into a renewable source of electricity used to power the streetlights in the surrounding areas.