NTPC Koldam Hydroelectric Power Project is expanding its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across Himachal Pradesh, with continued investments in education, healthcare, women empowerment, sports and environmental conservation, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable community development.
Speaking during a media interaction, S.S. Rao, Chief of the NTPC Koldam Project, said the company remains focused on improving the quality of life in project-affected and neighbouring communities through need-based and impactful CSR programmes.
Boosting Educational Infrastructure
Highlighting NTPC’s contribution to higher education, Rao said the company has invested around ₹70 crore, covering nearly 50 per cent of the cost of establishing the Hydro Engineering College in Bilaspur.
To further strengthen the institution’s infrastructure, NTPC has recently sanctioned nearly ₹6 crore for the construction of the college’s administrative building and entrance gate. The initiative aims to enable students from Himachal Pradesh to pursue specialised hydro engineering education within the state.
The company is also supporting 300 to 500 students annually through AI-based digital coaching programmes for IIT and NEET aspirants, providing digital learning resources and academic mentoring.
In addition, NTPC has established STEM laboratories in government schools and developed smart Anganwadis to enhance learning outcomes at the grassroots level.
Healthcare and Women’s Empowerment
NTPC has strengthened healthcare infrastructure by providing medical equipment worth approximately ₹25–40 lakh to the operation theatre at Sundernagar Hospital. The company also conducts regular medical camps in surrounding communities.
Under its women empowerment initiatives, NTPC has supported skill development programmes and self-help groups, benefiting around 170 women since 2019.
Supporting Sports Development
In the field of sports, NTPC has fully funded infrastructure for the Sports Authority of India’s canoeing and rowing training centre at Kasol.
The company continues to support athletes participating in national and international competitions, with trainees from the centre consistently winning medals at national events and representing India on global platforms.
Environmental Conservation and Renewable Energy
As part of its environmental initiatives, NTPC has undertaken large-scale plantation drives, riverbank stabilisation projects and a climate change and greenhouse gas emission study around the Koldam project in collaboration with IIT Bombay.
On the renewable energy front, Rao said NTPC is accelerating its clean energy expansion with a target of achieving 60,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 and 132,000 MW by 2047.
The company currently has an installed power generation capacity of around 91,000 MW, including more than 10,000 MW from renewable energy sources, supplying electricity to nearly one-fourth of Indian households.
He also announced that feasibility reports for two pumped storage power projects in Solan and Mandi districts have been submitted to the Himachal Pradesh Government for consideration.
Commitment to Sustainable Community Development
Rao reaffirmed that NTPC will continue working closely with local communities, district authorities and other stakeholders to ensure its CSR initiatives remain transparent, inclusive and responsive to community needs while contributing to long-term sustainable development.
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