Cyclone Fani battered the Odisha coastline on May 3, 2019, causing 64 deaths and largescale loss of property along with loss of livelihoods in 14 districts across the state. The Tata group supported the state government with various emergency measures -- helping with power and infrastructure restoration, drinking water provision, debris clearance, et al. During the relief phase, the group provided school kits to over 27,000 students across 310 schools in the two blocks (Brahmagiri and Krushnaprasad) of Puri district that were adversely affected by the cyclone.
To repair the extensive damage to the schools in Puri district, the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan department requested construction of four schools -- Subarnamukhi UPS, Madan Mohan UPS, Baliharichandi UPS and Chilka Nodal High School. Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT) in association with Tata Sustainability Group committed to construct these schools with Tata Consulting Engineers acting as technical partner.
On April 16 and 17, 2021, the ground-breaking ceremony of the schools was organised in the presence of representatives from Tata Steel, school staff and school management committee. TCIT has committed to construct a total area of 500 square meters for Subarnamukhi UPS, 650 square meters for Baliharichandi UPS, 410 square meters for Madan Mohan UPS and 620 square meters for Chilka Nodal High School.
The project is expected to be completed within a year and the four schools would benefit more than 500 students.
