Cement, Energy & Environment Jan-Mar 2002

The species are selected with due regard to local soil and climate conditions. An year- wise record of the progress in the plantation activity is given below: Table 2 Progress in plantation from 1996 to 2001 Year ending No. of Saplings planted Remarks Factory area Mined- out area Dec. 1996 18783 700 Dec. 1997 22483 2300 Dec. 1998 38350 4500 Dec. 1999 4200 8500 Dec. 2000 4300 16500 Dec. 2001 46710 19593 Number 45600 19184 surviving E. Socio-Economic Development Thanks to the direct and indirect employment provided by the plant to Ule local population, their economic condition has vastly improved. In addition, the plant is implementing a range of welfare and social development measures as follows : Health and Medical Care- A well equipped Diagnostic and Health Centre has been As per accepted practice, the dead plants are replaced at once with new ones maintaining the total number planted constant. Special efforts were made to improve the survival ratio Survival ratio 97.71% established inBinanigram to cater to the needs of the local population. The Centre provides free medical check-up and consultation; in fact certain medicines are also freely distributed. In addition, the medical officer makes a weekly visit to five nearby villages to offer medical assistance to the residents . The company also sponsors a free eye camp every year through the BinaniCharitable (BC) Trust and with the assistance of the local ladies club. The operation including lens transplantation is carried out under the guidance of an eye specialist. Other related welfare measures include distribution of blankets, clothing, etc, amongst patients and their attendants. Ambulance services are also extended as per requirements. Education The plant management established the Padma Binani DAV Public School,· a senior secondary Stacks at extreme left, centre and right (background) showing little school, under the patronage of smoke iss"uing from them the BC Trust in Binanigram in 18 -