22 December, 2023: In a CSR initiative undertaken by Cadila Pharmaceuticals, a large drug manufacturing company in the country, Bhetawada village in Dholka taluka has been illuminated with street lights after four decades of darkness.
Bhetawada or the village of flowers is known for floriculture farming. The 4,500+ village residents faced many challenges for decades du to the absence of streetlights. This led to accidents, increased the crime rate with the residents being vulnerable to criminals, the movement after sunset was also restricted. Amongst may other challenges transporting individuals during medical emergencies to medical centres after sunset in the absence of proper illumination was also a big challenge.
Cadila Pharmaceuticals addressed this critical challenge by installing LED lights by collaborating with the village Panchayat. These were complete with stands and cabling on 150 light poles throughout the village. This brought light to the village streets after many years as part of the CSR Initiative of Cadila Pharmaceuticals.
The charitable arm of Cadila Pharmaceuticals is Indrashil Kaka Ba and Kala Budh Public Charitable Trust. Its’ trustee, Dr. Bharat Champaneria, said that it was deeply satisfying to direct their efforts through their CSR project towards improving the lives of the residents of Bhetawada. He added that they were committed towards supporting communities and bringing about positive and lasting impacts.
Community leader in Bhetawada, Chinubhai Darbar expressed his gratitude and said that in his 45 years this was the first time that he had seen his village streets lighted. This had made their lives more comfortable and they could move about outside without fear at night. This initiative had gone a long way in instilling a sense of safety among the women and girls in his community, he added.
Cadila Pharmaceuticals has also offered a sustainable solution to the village to meet its electricity needs. A 5 KVA solar panel, has been given to the village panchayat by the company. This is expected to reduce the electricity bill for streetlights by up to 80%. Apart from this, it will be advantageous in promoting the use of renewable energy sources and will also contribute to environment conservation.
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