International Paper APPM Limited (IP-APPM) has announced the inauguration of the Check Dam at Tantikonda Village, 42 kms from Rajahmundry in East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh. IP-APPM sponsored the development of the Check Dam as part of the company’s overarching sustainability efforts.
- Inaugurates 2nd Check Dam at Tantikonda Village, East Godavari
- 1st Check dam was constructed in Mamidilova, Vizag District in 2012
Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, President, IP India and CMD, IP-APPM, inaugurated the check dam at Tantikonda village amidst a gathering of officials, farmers and residents of the village. The length of the check dam is 10 meters and height is 3 meters with top width & bottom width at 0.6 meters & 2.5 meters respectively and a storage capacity of approx – 7.5 lakh liters. The source of water is from Pushkar canal. The check dam was constructed with an investment of INR 5 Lakhs. With proper irrigation system, the total cultivable area is set to increase from the current 68 acres to 200 acres.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan said, “Sustainability has been one of the core objectives of International Paper and it has always been our endeavor to move it to the communities where we work and live. Watershed management initiatives, such as the Tantikonda Check Dam, help the local farmers in saving their crops from excess water flowing through the canal and contribute to their livelihood.”
The Need for a Check Dam
The water released from nearby Pushkar Canal, passes through Tantikonda village. Every year due to heavy flow, the farmers who cultivate paddy and other crops lose their produce as it washes away with the water. During the monsoon these problems increase many fold destroying the livelihood of farmers.
During a discussion with the villagers, IP-APPM identified this recurring problem of farmers losing their crops. It was then decided that construction of a check dam will help arrest the problem and result in multiple benefits including enhanced productivity, soil and water conservation, carbon sink creation, environment amelioration and socio-economic upliftment of farmers.
International Paper in India has been supporting tree farmers in costal Andhra Pradesh. The company provides them high yielding clonal sapling of Casurina which can be planted in marginal fallow, degraded land and wastelands. Earlier, the company had also constructed a check dam at Mamidilova Village in Vishakhapatnam district benefitting the local farmers.
About International Paper APPM Limited
International Paper APPM Limited (IPAPPM), a group company of International Paper in India, is a leading manufacturer of pulp and paper products and caters to both domestic and foreign markets. IPAPPM produces writing, printing and copier papers at its two manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh, which have a total paper production capacity of 240,000 metric tons per year. The company is becoming a driving force in sustainability in the paper manufacturing arena in the world economy with sales of approximately US $182 million, focused social and community programs including its own pioneering work in raw material generation through social farm forestry and a very strong strategic growth focus. International Paper owns a majority shareholding interest in IPAPPM and the remaining shares are publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange in India. For more information on IPAPPM, please visit please visit ipappm.com.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include industrial and consumer packaging and uncoated papers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 65,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2013 were $29 billion (which included our now divested xpedx business). For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.