Marking World Environment Day, Mitsubishi Electric India has started a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on restoring lake ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience. Started in partnership with Earthwatch Institute India, the programme will be implemented in Talegaon Dabhade, Pimpri Chinchwad (Maharashtra) and Pulicat (Tamil Nadu).

The initiative aims to combine conservation science, education, and community engagement to protect waterbodies and the biodiversity they support, particularly in the face of growing climate risks. The company said the project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Focus on Community Participation and Environmental Education
The multi-pronged project will train 25 Self-Help Groups, including fisherfolk and women-led groups, to serve as Lake Stewards who will manage local conservation efforts. It also involves tree plantation drives to prevent soil erosion and improve local air quality.

Other planned activities include school workshops, experiential learning modules, citizen science projects, and digital field guides aimed at fostering a deeper connection between communities and their surrounding ecosystems.

“Conserving waterbodies is essential in the face of growing climate risks,” said Atsushi Takase, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Electric India. “We are not only working to restore vital ecosystems, but also inspiring people—especially the younger generation—to adopt environmentally responsible practices.”

Wetlands as Climate Buffers
India’s lakes and wetlands have come under pressure due to urban expansion and changing weather patterns. Experts say that restoration and community-led stewardship are critical to safeguarding these natural resources.

“Lakes and wetlands act as nature’s climate buffers,” said Raghuvansh Saxena, CEO of Earthwatch Institute India. “Their long-term conservation depends on education, awareness, and active community participation.”

The CSR project is scheduled to run through March 2026, with a focus on building environmental resilience, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity around the selected sites, told the company. The company said the programme reflects its broader sustainability vision of “Changes for the Better”.

Mitsubishi Electric India claimed that it has previously undertaken CSR work in the areas of clean air, education, and rural electrification, and is now expanding its environmental efforts through this initiative.