The Challenge
Whether it is improving green cover in the area or better water management, Tata Steel has always worked towards upholding environment sustainability and biodiversity conservation around its operations.
The CRM Bara Pond was once a large waterbody, but over the years industrial activities in the vicinity had severely impacted the pond. It was slowly drying up and along with the vanishing pond, the local flora and fauna too were impacted drastically.
The XLRI Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite was not just an eyesore at Jamshedpur, but the air quality too was a concern. Water pollution began to affect the surrounding areas and drove away several local and migratory birds. As a part of its conservation efforts, Tata Steel stepped in with their Wasteland Reclamation project and developed the Dumpsite into a thriving green park of ecological importance.
The Solution
The initial phase included the collection of available data on rainfall, temperature, wind conditions, maximum storage levels as well as Tata Steel and user agencies' information on number of fillings and overflows, water utilisation by the local community and more. The team also charted a map for the rejuvenation and reclamation projects by involving the local community.
A comprehensive plan was devised based on the information collected:
  • Calculation of Water Potential for the Lake based on the type and areal extent of the catchment, gradient of the terrain, feeder system and runoff water from the adjoining factories
  • Interpretation of Google Earth Maps in conjunction with historical maps to understand the past history, areal extent of the water bodies, restriction of surface area due to silting and other factors, natural landforms, drainage pattern, surface retention of the lake, catchment area of the lake, source water, diversion arrangement of runoff water, oveflow arrangement and more
  • Contour Survey to understand the level variations, fix the inlet and overflow arrangements and diversion arrangement of runoff water from upper catchment area
  • Geomorphological Study to understand the local variations in topography, gradient of the terrain, drainage pattern and movement of runoff water
  • Well Inventory Survey of open wells and bore wells to study the seasonal variation in water levels and infer ground water conditions
  • Hydrogeological Study to assess the local groundwater conditions, local geology, weathering pattern, intensity and interconnectivity of fracture system
  • Soil Profile was studied to understand the nature and texture of soil
  • Conventional Water Divining using copper wire to find out the groundwater flow lines, direction of groundwater flow and potential zones of groundwater recharge
  • Resistivity Survey to understand the immediate sub surface formations, depth of weathered portion, depth and nature of jointed and fractured formations
Through the interpretation of collected data, the team could provide a suitable engineering design for the reservoir and enhanced its aesthetic appeal with meandering walkways, an exquisite greenbelt that included lawns, plants and trees, seating and landscaping.
The technical and science backed actions taken by the team included:
Providing slope stability through the provision of proper slopes depending on local soil conditions
Lake side walls pitched with precast PCC slabs to avoid erosion of banks and provided weep holes with porous blocks
Desilting/Filtering arrangement to minimise the flow of silt into the pond
Study of water quality from various sources and segregation of contaminated areas to divert only water within the acceptable limits of Pollution Control Board (PCB) norms
Introduction of innovative aerators like imploders and attractive fountains to improve aeration and quality of stored water.
The Result
Tata Steel's efforts in the last two years have led to the creation of a beautifully designed waterbody as well as a lush park on what was previously a wasteland. It serves both humans and local wildlife today.
Through the initiative at CRM Bara, the disappearing and degraded ponds have been rejuvenated and are cumulatively a
scientifically designed reservoir as well as a beautiful pond of 5.6 hectare, that supports and enhances local biodiversity. The rainwater harvested at this site is 82,300 kl.
Adding to this, the flow of contaminated water is being treated and has reduced to NIL. The groundwater level has stabilised and the alarming depletion of water levels has been stemmed. The planting of over 5,000 plants and trees has enhanced the green cover and attracts a host of butterflies. The thriving fish population in the pond has begun attracting migratory birds again.
The Reclamation of Wasteland on the XLRI Municipal Solid Waste Dump site at Jamshedpur led to the development of 12 hectare space into a green park of ecological importance called the Dalma View Point. By layering the dumpsite with good soil, and planting indigenous flora that help control soil erosion, the site and its surrounding areas have been converted into a green zone with over 1,000 plants, 28,000 creepers, 5,000 shrubs and 13,000 sq. mts. of grass. It is now a gorgeous park and picnic spot that plays host to several species of butterflies, birds and insects. A pond has been developed inside the picnic area and works as a catchment for run-off water while enhancing the serene surrounding.