Kolkata: As part of its sustained commitment to social responsibility and community development, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) signed two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on June 3, 2025. These agreements mark key initiatives under GRSE’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSRinitiative), targeting environmental conservation and inclusive livelihood generation in Kolkata.
Clean Hooghly River Initiative
In partnership with the Sea Explorers’ Institute (SEI), Kolkata, GRSE launched a unique pilot project aimed at revitalizing the Hooghly River through community participation and sustainable practices. The MoU was signed by Mr Rajeev Shrivastava, General Manager (HR&A) of GRSE, and Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee, Secretary General of SEI, at a ceremony held in Kolkata.
This initiative focuses on tackling river pollution by raising awareness against littering at 10 key Ghats along the river. Local fishermen and boat operators will be engaged to physically clean the river using traditional tools such as nets and bamboo implements, supplemented by boats for effective debris removal. The project aims not only to reduce the levels of pollution but also to foster environmental ownership among riverside communities, empowering them as custodians of the river’s health.
The Clean Hooghly River project also seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods by integrating community involvement and environmental conservation, aligning with broader urban ecological goals for Kolkata’s riverine environment.
Vocational Bakery Unit for Children with Special Needs
On the same day, GRSE signed a second MoU with Behala Naba Prayas (BNP), a Kolkata-based organization dedicated to the welfare of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The agreement was formalized by Shri Rajeev Shrivastava, GM (HR&A), GRSE, and Dr. Arijit Banerjee, Secretary of BNP.
This initiative will establish a bakery unit specifically designed to provide vocational training and livelihood opportunities for children with special needs. The bakery will serve as a practical learning center where children can acquire essential skills, gain work experience, and enhance their independence, thereby supporting their social inclusion and long-term self-reliance.
The program aims to create a sustainable model that empowers children with disabilities through skill development, enabling them to participate meaningfully in economic activities while also fostering community awareness about inclusivity.
GRSE’s Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Both projects underscore GRSE’s holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing environmental sustainability and social welfare. By partnering with established organizations like SEI and BNP, GRSE aims to make a tangible impact on pressing urban challenges such as river pollution and the integration of differently-abled individuals into the workforce.
These MoUs reaffirm GRSE’s role as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to fostering community welfare and environmental stewardship alongside its core industrial activities.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited is a premier defence shipyard based in Kolkata, known for building advanced warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. With over 100 vessels delivered, GRSE plays a vital role in India’s maritime defence and export capabilities.
