In an era where climate change and environmental degradation are at the forefront of global concerns, Mitsubishi Electric India is leading by example through its focused and far-reaching CSR initiatives. At the heart of this effort is the conservation and rejuvenation of urban lakes in regions like Talegaon and Pimpri Chinchwad—areas that face increasing ecological stress due to rapid urbanization. In an exclusive conversation with Machine Edge Global, Atsushi Takase, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Electric India, shares insights into the company’s integrated approach to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and education. He elaborates on how these initiatives not only reflect the company’s global vision of ‘Changes for the Better’, but also demonstrate a deeper commitment to building climate-resilient ecosystems and empowering local communities to drive long-term change.
What inspired Mitsubishi Electric India to focus its CSR efforts on lake conservation and climate resilience, particularly in regions like Talegaon and Pimpri Chinchwad?
Mitsubishi Electric India’s CSR efforts are focused on connecting with critical environmental problems and community needs. Talegaon and Pimpri Chinchwad were chosen because of their diverse natural habitats and the increasing environmental stresses that these urbanizing areas confront. Lakes and wetlands in these places are critical for biodiversity conservation, groundwater recharge, and climate stabilization. With a manufacturing presence in these regions, we see this initiative as a natural extension of our responsibility to the environment and the communities around us. The CSR initiative actively engages diverse stakeholders through innovative programmes that emphasize field action, education, skilling, knowledge-building, scientific approaches, and digital technology to promote the conservation of lakes and surrounding biodiversity in a changing climate. We are committed to protecting these key waterbodies and increasing climate resilience via scientific solutions and inclusive community engagement.
The initiative brings together education, conservation, and community engagement. Why is this integrated approach important for achieving long-term environmental impact?
Ensuring the sustainability of environmental projects depends on a multidimensional approach. Supported by scientific knowledge, community ownership, and behavioural change, conservation efforts become long-term, relevant and successful. The programme promotes a thorough grasp of local ecosystems by combining educational resources, field-based activities, and stakeholder involvement. Leading scientists and experts, educators and communicators are associated with this initiative in developing easy-to-understand educational and learning resources for training various stakeholders. Additionally, it develops local capability over time to independently preserve and administer these environments. This whole approach guarantees that preservation is an evolving, community-led process rather than a one-time event.
How does this initiative align with Mitsubishi Electric India’s broader CSR philosophy and the global vision of ‘Changes for the Better’?
This project is aligned with Mitsubishi Electric India’s CSR policy, which emphasizes long-term social benefit, community welfare, and environmental sustainability. It also embodies the company’s worldwide vision of ‘Changes for the Better’, which promotes proactive work toward social and environmental change. Using scientific knowledge, stakeholder cooperation, and capacity building, the project seeks to have significant and quantifiable effects. Through initiatives in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, Mitsubishi Electric India actively supports skill & community development in addition to environmental initiatives. These include programs for access to clean water, healthcare, and education. For instance, we have provided institutes and colleges, like it is, with resources like Acs and Industrial Automation Kits, including Robotic Arm, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) training kits, for students to study and research on. Such initiatives are carried out to bridge the gap between industry and academia, to ensure that the youth is equipped with relevant skills for today’s job market. Through such programs, we intend to help meet national sustainability objectives while honouring our obligations as a worldwide corporate citizen dedicated to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.
What role do community stakeholders, especially Self-Help Groups and schoolchildren, play in driving the success of this initiative?
The success and viability of this initiative depend on community partners. Local women’s groups, fisherfolk, and self-help groups are being trained as lake stewards to head conservation efforts, encourage eco-friendly behaviour, and increase knowledge at the local level. Ecologists and tree experts work with communities and recommend appropriate native species beneficial to the lake ecosystem, supporting avifauna, pollinators, and aquatic species.
Local communities can help conserve lakes through eco-friendly fishing, sustainable practices, and protecting lakes from plastic pollution and invasive species. The CSR initiative collaborates with teachers and engages students as citizen scientists in water quality monitoring programmes, conserving water resources, and promoting clean water, health, and hygiene. Interactive learning resources on water, sanitation, and hygiene are being developed with experts for school educational programmes. Educational resources are also prepared to promote the conservation of lakes and biodiversity through building knowledge and appreciation for natural assets in our cities. Empowering both present and future generations helps the project create community ownership and promote environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Could you share how Mitsubishi Electric India plans to measure the outcomes or impact of this programme over the next year?
A strong framework of qualitative and quantitative indicators was used to track the impact of the programme. Around 100 participants across Talegaon and Pimpri Chinchwad are engaged in training and capacity-building activities, including self-help groups, students, teachers, and community participation in planting campaigns, and biodiversity documentation across 30 waterbodies. The focus was on building awareness around lake conservation and its role in strengthening climate resilience. Lakes help store freshwater, moderate local temperatures, and buffer against droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall. Other indicators include the volume of educational materials distributed, the number of Lake Stewards trained, and data gathered from water quality monitoring. These efforts marked small yet meaningful steps toward creating a significant impact and help us evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.
In the context of sustainability and climate action, how is Mitsubishi Electric India evolving its corporate responsibility agenda beyond compliance to drive real change in local communities?
The goal of Mitsubishi Electric India’s CSR agenda is to go above and beyond compliance requirements by providing real environmental and social benefits at the local level. Aligned with Mitsubishi Electric Group’s purpose “to contribute to the realization of a vibrant and sustainable society through continuous technological innovation and ceaseless creativity”, the company has incorporated sustainability as a strategic pillar of its operations.
Based on stakeholder views, scientific research, and local ecosystems, our approach is customized. Knowledge sharing, behavioural modification, and long-term ecological health are our top priorities. Through the use of digital and educational resources and cooperative efforts with knowledgeable partners, we are developing long-term and scalable solutions for sustainability driven by communities. This is consistent with our overall commitment to climate action, environmental resilience, and the well-being of local communities.
The company’s Environmental Sustainability Vision 2050, which emphasizes environmental protection as a core corporate priority, serves as additional guidance for this commitment. The vision lays forth specific objectives to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all business operations and product lines.