The excitement of creating a unique identity and space for herself has come with some challenges too, being the the first lady EHS professional at site, like travelling hundreds of kms from one place to another for various EHS inspections, on-site training, and mock drills without proper sanitation facilities especially in pipeline areas, inspecting tunnel shafts at night and handling a workforce of 1,000 at the Surya project. “However, all project teams have supported me well,” she flashes a wide smile. “High attrition rate of workmen and a diverse workforce are challenging too but I concentrate on effective EHS training strategies to ensure that everyone is on the same page.”

A Lucknavi by birth, Nalini’s husband, Rohit, is Divisional Manager – Operations & BD at Nayara Energy and what keeps her awake at night is her 6-month-old bundle of joy, Avyaan. She likes to paint and read too and some of her best memories at L&T are the slew of awards that she and her sites have won.

Deriving joy from farmers’ joy!

When commissioning the Lift Canal System of the Upper Indravati Irrigation Project, his first at L&T, Deepanathan Gandhi vividly remembers the thankful smiles on the farmers’ faces as he went about verifying the outlets. “The region totally depends on the monsoon for the farmers to cultivate one crop annually but now, after our intervention, they can cultivate two crops per year, even when the monsoon fails,” he shares.

Currently at the same project for an additional work of 1,000 Ha, Deepanathan is driving safety, mentioning deploying a DMC piling machine for the pile foundation. “To construct the 24 m high overhead tank, instead of a temporary staircase, we made a permanent RCC one along with the columns, which has made the approach easy and safer.” The project team fabricated the encasement for the total winch machine, with third-party inspections even for one-day works during the concreting of the pump house and OHT slabs.

Deepanathan and team are faced with certain location related EHS challenges: “Being in interior Odisha, arranging medical facilities is difficult, and with a frequently changing workforce, educating and training them is a continuous process.” Sitting between agricultural lands the site often faces issues with pests for which solar-powered snake repellents have been installed.

To construct the 18 m high pump house on the slope of the existing canal, Deepanathan shares that they first constructed it at ground level in quick time and then built a retaining wall to execute the work while water was being supplied through the canal. Digitally, he mentions the WISA portal that has quickened workmen screening and View EHS that is helping the team to ensure 100% safety.

“Our Project Manager, Mr. Rajasekar, and Project
In-charge, Mr. Ragupathy, are always available to guide us to achieve our work targets safely and with quality,” he remarks with a smile. “Planning Engineer, Souvik Patra and Store Manager, Tanmoy always ensure on-time procurement and availability of all PPEs & safety-related materials.” He is appreciative of Dibyaranjan Sahoo, EHS Officer, and Palisetti Krishna, IR/Admin, for their timely screening of workmen, and for organizing training, mock drills, and periodic medical check-ups.

Hailing from Gingee, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, Deepanathan enjoys drawing and reading. He is married to Vinitha, a homemaker, and they are blessed with a son, Mogith.

“I am proud to be an L&T-ite whenever I hear the name ‘L&T’ in the news,” he comments, “and to be part of a company that builds the world’s tallest statue, lays 100 km of road in record time and even plays a part in our country’s space missions.”

FINDING OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE WINGS TO HIS CREATIVITY

Md. Imamuddin

Assistant Construction Manager (ELEC), WET IC

“As an Execution Engineer, I have led creative efforts that have greatly improved project efficiency outcomes,” states Md. Imamuddin confidently, referring to his tenure with L&T since 2019 at the Kundalia lift irrigation project. “One standout initiative involved implementing advanced energy management systems and optimizing power consumption to reduce overall operational costs. I also promote the use of automation technology to minimize manual intervention during operations.”

He proceeds to mention the introduction of a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy by leveraging predictive maintenance tools and condition monitoring systems. “This initiative proactively addressed potential electrical failures, ensuring uninterrupted project operation, and minimizing downtime.” He pauses and adds with emphasis, “These unique initiatives collectively underscore my commitment to drive technological advancements in electrical execution, to foster a culture of innovation and excellence within the project environment.”

For an electrical engineer in execution, challenges emerge usually during power shutdowns to maintain a safe and productive work environment. “Limited visibility due to power outages and the use of temporary lighting solutions can pose safety risks, demanding meticulous planning and adherence to stringent safety protocols,” he shares wisely. “Clear communication channels and robust contingency plans are essential to mitigate potential disruptions and maintain project timelines.” To round off, he says, “As an EHS professional, navigating execution challenges during power shutdowns, emphasising on safety, communication, backup power reliability, and comprehensive risk assessments are critical to maintain safety.”

One of Imamuddin’s most memorable moments at L&T was when his team successfully commissioned a challenging project electrically. “It involved intricate electrical execution, overcoming various technical hurdles and finally witnessing the culmination of our collective efforts, and receiving recognition for our dedication and hard work was an immensely rewarding and memorable experience,” he says with great feeling.

He is keenly appreciative of the unwavering support and guidance of his seniors and the collaboration with team members to drive successful outcomes throughout his short tenure. Imamuddin is also impressed by L&T’s relentless pursuit of innovation. “It not only pushes boundaries but also offers employees like me the opportunity to work on cuttingedge projects, delve into new technologies, and contribute to shaping the future of various industries,” he shares with pride.

On his personal front, Imamuddin hails from Bihar and his life partner is Rehana Khatoon, a homemaker. “When free, I love to watch movies and make moves on the chessboard,” he smiles.

His entry into the tough life of construction and the even tougher task of maintaining safety at his first project, Mohanpura MVRWSS, Rajgarh, has toughened young Shashank Sharma for future challenges. “I joined L&T in December 2022 and was straightaway assigned to connect with remote villages to ensure that they receive regular water supply,” he shares. In such a scenario, he has been finding the process of mobilizing skilled workmen and getting them to appreciate and follow L&T’s EHS system hugely challenging. “My focus has been to identify and develop subordinates from the local communities to improve productivity in the project and, at the same time, generate employment for the locals,” he says, with a maturity that belies his age and experience.

While creating awareness about the risks and hazards of the work area to the villagers and local bodies has been difficult, Shashank mentions that their proactive approach to EHS is helping them monitor better. “Our system of daily EHS alerts and updates keeps our team members, workforce, and subordinates always informed and up to date with the latest EHS information provided through our EHS Corporate department,” he informs. “By embracing virtual site visits, we have frequent and thorough inspections of our work areas and by combining them with daily alerts, we have created a dynamic and proactive EHS culture, fostering a safe and secure workplace for all.”

Shashank has been fortunate to enjoy the privilege of working alongside experienced seniors and dedicated team members who have been helping him learn the ropes quickly. “They have been supportive mentors, sharing their wisdom and extending a helping hand whenever needed,” he says with a deep sense of gratitude, which has influenced his view about L&T that he describes as a Company committed to building a sustainable future for India and through its projects, helping to improve the country’s infrastructure and social services. “I am proud to work for a company that is making a real difference in the world,” he affirms.

On his personal front, Shashank hails from Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh, is single, loves to travel and try his hand at cooking to relax.

He is delighted that his first project is already being commissioned and is all set for his next assignment to drive safety.

One aspect that evokes pride in Selva Ganesh P is L&T’s unwavering emphasis on safety. “L&T is committed to creating a safe working environment, which reassures me that I am in a place where my well-being is top priority and this sense of security makes me proud to be associated with L&T,” he shares about his 7-year journey, starting as a DET in July 2016 at the Mohanpura Project Left Bank Lift System in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. Presently, at the Kundalia Irrigation Project – Right Bank Scheme, again in MP, Selva and his team members are hoping to the change the lives of people in 210 villages and approximately 1.78 lakh farmers.

“I coordinated a critical Flood Risk Analysis survey for the Kundalia pumphouse to assess potential flooding issues in and around the area and mitigate them,” he informs that involved creating flood inundation maps to calculate rainfall intensities for specific return periods, estimate the Probable Maximum Precipitation, and translate runoff into water levels. “Our efforts yielded vital recommendations, including the implementation of peripheral drain arrangements around the pumphouse premises to avert local inundation and ensure an effective drainage system,” he sounds pleased with his contribution.

Another task he was involved with was to strengthen the pumphouse requiring TAM grouting & jacketing and surveys to be conducted involving Work at Height hazards. “Our site EHS team played a pivotal role to develop site-specific SOPs that ensured the work was completed safely and within the allotted time,” he says with josh. To safely negotiate the jacketing work, provision was made for proper working platforms, with easy access and egress routes that are crucial for activities at height. “Apart from achieving optimal productivity from our workforce, we meticulously implemented the scaffold as per the scheme drawing from our L&T Formwork team and maintained strict quality control over all formwork materials used,” he mentions, yet again emphasizing their focus on safety.

Successfully completing this task within the scheduled time frame maintaining safety and quality is one of Selva’s most cherished moments at L&T. “Our achievement paved the way to commission the pumphouse and the timely provision of water to farmers as promised,” he says, proud of their larger role of nation building.

“Without the guidance and support of my seniors, executing the work proficiently would have been a formidable task,” he says in all honesty, ear-marking Project Manager, Dinesh Kharbanda, and In-charge, Arun Tiwari for special praise. “My colleagues have provided valuable insights, enabled timely decision-making, and fostered an environment that encourages autonomy, motivation, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality,” he rounds off.

Still single, Selva hails from Sambavar Vadakarai in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district. After safety, cricket is certainly his second love.

THINK SAFETY FIRST

Sagar Show

Engineer (Civil), WET IC

Young Sagar Show is still building his career with L&T having joined the company in August 2017, but what is most encouraging is the importance he gives to safety, even though he is not a hardcore EHS professional. At his second project, the Kushalgarh Water Supply Project Pkg-3 (LE181017) which is his second after a stint at his first, the CDS-03 Deedwana Project, Sagar is focused on keeping his colleagues and workers safe especially when working at height. “It is critical to strengthen the scaffolding and shuttering aspects at site while working at a height of more than 20 m by ensuring safe and sturdy platforms and strong shuttering support,” he says, emphasising how important safe working conditions are for him.

Some of Sagar’s challenges in the initial stages were to make workmen aware and educate them about taking safety precautions. “It took many training sessions to make them aware of the need for safety and that their lives and the lives of their co-workers depended on working safe,” says Sagar, tapping his forehead. He also found that it was equally important to educate the scaffolders team to erect and dismantle scaffoldings as per the EHS requirements.

According to Sagar, “Encouraging talks and time-bound execution with ample resources and a sharp eye on the financial aspect will not only improve productivity but also achieve result-oriented work with zero harm,” adding that this has been his top priority at both the projects he has thus far been associated with. For continued success Sagar advocates, “A daily activity plan, aligning the SEC plan with the EHS activity plan, virtual addresses in the form of pep talks, and skill-based tests and quizzes.”

What impresses Sagar most about the company he is working for is that Safety and Quality standards are being diligently followed at every site and his most memorable time with L&T is a training session he attended at a CSTI.

A native of Kolkata, West Bengal, Sagar is single and free and loves to read books and travel to tourist destinations during his free time.

12 April 2021 is a date that will forever be etched in Monu Ram’s memory. It was the day he joined L&T, fresh off his Diploma in Civil Engineering, that set him off on a career that has already seen several highs. Not surprisingly, he is over the moon on winning the Best Site Engineer Award at the Kundaliya MVRWSS Project’s Safety Month ceremony. “Apart from winning the Best Site Engineer Award, another unforgettable moment in my short professional career at L&T is completing 236 cum. of CWR concrete in a single day with good quality and safety,” he beams.

One of Monu’s major headaches at the Kundaliya MVRWSS Project has been to train the local workmen on safety.
“As an organization, we place so much importance on safety, and so it is critical to make the workmen understand our EHS guidelines and work according to them,” he remarks. “We conduct pep talks twice a day: before starting and after completing work, which promotes a vigilant safety culture and reduces accidents at site.”

For an EHS professional, L&T is an ideal place to work for the company has a well-established and strong EHS culture. “Our special departments on Safety & Quality ensure that all our projects meet high standards,” he notes. “The management provides timely training about new initiatives, and digital tools such as the Safety App help our team members reduce the chances of accidents by filling the SEC card with their checklists.”