Hyderabad, Telangana | October 19, 2024: Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited today announced the completion of multiple village development projects in Telangana’s Rangareddy district, including the restoration of a lake, renovation of an Anganwadi centre, installation of solar street lighting and water-purification systems at Machanpally village, a part of the Shabad Mandal[1]. These projects have been undertaken as part of the AWS InCommunities program, which aims to positively impact communities, especially in regions where AWS operates, with support from SEARCH, a local non-government organisation.
The lake was inaugurated with the unveiling of a plaque on October 18, 2024, in the presence of dignitaries including Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IAS, Vice Chairman, Managing Director, and Executive Director of Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC); Saji PK, Director, Data Center Operations, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, AWS; and Aditya Chowdhry, Lead – Data Center Operations, AWS India.
Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IAS, Vice Chairman, Managing Director, and Executive Director of Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) said, “Corporates and industry players have an important role to play in local communities not just in boosting the economy through job creation and revenue generation, but also by participating in the upliftment of the whole community. I commend the consistent efforts by AWS over the years to help improve the quality of life in our communities in Telangana. I am confident that all sections of the village will benefit greatly from these initiatives.”
Lake restoration to boost groundwater levels in the village
The 65 acre-lake at Machanpally village was dormant for a few years and plagued by issues such as reduced capacity, garbage dumping, soil erosion, and weed infestation. As a part of the restoration efforts, team members of AWS InCommunities restored the lake to its full tank level by strengthening the tank bund through soil compaction and desilting to enhance water storage capacity. These improvements will enhance groundwater recharge and increase water availability for livestock during dry spells. AWS has also undertaken beautification efforts of a part of the lake peripheral area (near the Katta Maisamma temple), including adding fencing, seating benches, and partial revetment, to improve the local environment, and provide a recreational space for residents while preserving the cultural significance of the area.
A bright and cheerful learning space for pre-schoolers
The dignitaries also inaugurated a new Anganwadi centre (pre-primary centre) which was renovated by AWS; this was previously a building that housed the village primary school. The new centre consists of a brightly painted learning area/ classroom with murals and cartoons that promote learning and make it an interesting and fun place for children. The walls are covered with marking paint for two feet from the ground level, creating a surface for children to draw and express themselves freely without fear of damaging the wall. AWS has also provided furniture, learning kits, and stationery required at the centre.
The Anganwadi centre also has a kitchen and a storeroom to provide and manage the nutritional needs of the children, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers in the surrounding community. The renovation undertaken by AWS also includes washrooms and handwash areas, and a play area for children to safely play outdoors.
Safe drinking water and well-lit streets
As part of this drive to support a healthier local community, AWS has also installed two Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification systems, each with a capacity of 250-500 litres in the Machanpally village as well as in Machanpally Thanda to provide safe drinking water to villagers. In addition, 30 solar street lamps across the village and a solar high-max lamp at the village junction have been setup to ensure the streets are well-lit. AWS is also in the process of building a village library and a community centre for the benefit of residents in the local community.
These new initiatives under the AWS InCommunities program in Telangana add to the multiple initiatives already undertaken by AWS in the state’s Rangareddy district, such as the renovation of government schools, Anganwadi centres, restoration of farm ponds, lakes, healthcare centres and hospitals. AWS has also previously established AWS Think Big Spaces to foster science, technology, engineering, and math education in multiple parts of the Rangareddy district including the Shabad and Kandukur mandals.