C SHEKAR REDDY

Chairman and Managing Director, CSR Estates Ltd.

Mr. C Shekar Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of CSR Estates Ltd, is a distinguished civil engineer with over three and a half decades of exceptional service in the real estate sector. Renowned for his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions at both the State and National levels, he has been a key driving force behind transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping India’s infrastructural landscape. His unwavering commitment to sectoral reforms, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and customer-centric policies has significantly impacted the real estate industry.

Mr. Reddy’s journey began with the establishment of the Builders Forum in Andhra Pradesh, a groundbreaking organization that streamlined the builder community in Hyderabad. He later played a pivotal role in the formation of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI), where he served as Founder Vice President for 14 years before being Unanimously Elected as National President. His relentless dedication to urban policy development has elevated the stature of the builders’ fraternity across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and India.

A visionary leader in sustainability, skilling, social welfare, and real estate, Mr. Reddy has profoundly influenced key areas such as environmental sustainability, regulatory reforms, and workforce skill development. He has actively contributed to advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. Over his illustrious career, Mr. Reddy has played an instrumental role in driving environmental sustainability, shaping urban development policies, and promoting ease of doing business across multiple industries.

His most significant contribution to sustainability has been through his leadership within the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) over the past two decades. As Chairman of IGBC Hyderabad Chapter and National Vice Chairman of IGBC, Mr. Reddy has been instrumental in promoting green building practices across the country. Under his leadership, over 500 residential and commercial projects in Telangana adopted IGBC standards, covering a total built-up area of more than 300 million square feet. These initiatives have yielded substantial environmental benefits, including:

Energy savings of 2,580 billion units
Water conservation of 7,900 billion liters
Reduction of 2,402 million tonnes of CO2 emissions

Mr. Reddy has championed sustainability by leading initiatives such as Rainwater harvesting and the recycling and reuse of treated water from STPs in United Andhra Pradesh. His efforts were pivotal in the development of the award-winning, eco-friendly conservation project, Lotus Pond, a hallmark of environmental preservation. As an early advocate of green building practices, he has been associated with the inception of the CII - Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), playing a vital role in promoting a sustainable built environment across India.

In addition to his contributions in the private sector, Mr. Reddy has held numerous prestigious public offices, influencing policy and decision-making across various sectors. His current roles include:

National Vice Chairman, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
Chairman, Taskforce on Public Policy, CII Telangana
Secretary General, Hyderabad City Security Council
Advisor, Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Smart Cities, FTCCI
Audit Committee Member, National Academy of Construction (NAC)

CII Telangana Activities during the Year 2023-2024

Mr C Shekar Reddy currently is the Immediate Past Chairman(2023-24) of CII Telangana and Chairman of the CII Telangana Public Policy Taskforce (2024-25).

Mr Reddy served in various capacities and was the Convenor of CII Telangana Infrastructure & Real Estate Panel for few years and was the Vice Chairman(2022-23) of the CII Telangana.

In his two years as the State Office bearers, Mr Reddy ensured that Membership retention, Membership engagement and Membership outreach was effective with him spending two hour weekly at CII State Office. He personally visited Warangal and Adilabad twice in the year to encourage new industries to take up CII Membership.

With the new government taking charge in the state on 03 December, Mr Shekar Reddy under his leadership led the Government Engagement with key meetings with Hon’ble Chief Minister on 06 January and accompanied him with a CEO delegation to World Economic Forum to Davos and to UK. In the same month, January 2024, Chairman spearheaded two key major events on Musi River Development and Skills and Employment opportunities where Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Hon’ble Industries & IT Minister were the Chief Guest.

Under his Chairmanship with the Theme "Towards a Competitive and Sustainable Telangana@100: Growth, Inclusiveness, Globalisation, Building Trust” CII Telangana went on to achieve maximize impact among all stakeholders – Members, Government Media and industry at large.

Mr Shekar Reddy in his tenure ensured that CII Telangana extensively engaged with government departments at various levels. Members of CII Telangana have had opportunities to meet with notable government officials, including the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr Anumula Revanth Reddy and other state ministers such as Mr. Duddilla Sridhar Babu (Hon'ble Minister for IT, Industries & Commerce), Mr. T Nageswara Rao (Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, Cooperation, Handlooms & Textiles), and Mr. Nalamada Uttam Kumar Reddy (Hon'ble Minister for Irrigation & CAD, Food & Civil Supplies). This engagement with government officials suggests collaboration between CII Telangana and the state government to work towards its goals.

CII Telangana in Tier II cities: CII Telangana has actively extending its outreach to Tier II cities such as Warangal, Adilabad, Nizamabad, leveraging the presence of its member companies to engage with local industries and associations. Through these interactions, CII aims to understand the status of industries in these regions and provide support for their growth across sectors, reflecting its commitment to fostering economic development and industrial progress beyond urban centers, thus contributing to more inclusive regional development.

New initiatives:

CII Telangana has initiated multiple endeavors to explore opportunities across diverse sectors. These initiatives encompass the Conference on Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, conducted in partnership with the Telangana Development Forum. Furthermore, the Cybersecurity Summit and a Business Seminar in collaboration with the American Telugu Association, expanding the horizon for exploring a wide range of opportunities in conjunction with these esteemed organizations.

Enablers for Growth & Competitiveness: CII Telangana serves as a crucial enabler for growth and competitiveness through its role as a networking and learning platform. The organization has orchestrated a series of flagship events such as the CII Telangana IT Conclave, CII Ts Packon, CFO Forum, MSME Summit, Defence and Aerospace Summit, EDU Summit, Infra Real Estate Summit, HR Conclave, Quality Circle Competition, and numerous others. These initiatives are meticulously designed to provide valuable insights, foster collaboration, and facilitate knowledge exchange among member organizations. By offering such diverse platforms, CII Telangana plays a pivotal role in empowering its members to enhance their competitiveness, stay abreast of industry trends, and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Enablers for Sustainability: CII Telangana serves as a catalyst for sustainability through a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and capacity building. These include organizing events such as the World Water Day seminar to raise awareness about water conservation, conducting Surgical Skills Training Programs to enhance medical expertise sustainably, hosting DGR Job Fairs for ex-servicemen to promote employment opportunities, facilitating sessions on effective teaching methods to improve education quality, workshops on capacity and capability building, CSR workshops, and leveraging design thinking tools to encourage innovation and sustainability. Additionally, CII Telangana promotes environmental stewardship through activities like Health & Wellness Talk Series, Corporate Greenathon and initiatives like establishing computer labs for residential colleges to enhance digital literacy and educational access, all contributing to fostering a sustainable future.

Interanationalisation: CII Telangana has been actively involved in internationalization efforts through diverse interactions and engagements. This includes hosting a meeting with a business delegation from EDB, Mauritius, participating in discussions with H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium, and organizing an interactive session with Mr Manohar Khaitani, Senior Executive Director of CapitaLand Group and Special Advisor to the Chairman of EDB, Singapore. Additionally, CII Telangana has facilitated business interactions focusing on opportunities in Nigeria.

Participation at G20, CII Annual Meeting are some of the National activities where Mr Reddy eloquently presented Telangana and its progress as the ideal investment destination in the country.

CII Indian Women Network & CII Young Indians: Utilizing the presence of CII Indian Women Network (IWN) and CII Young Indians (Yi), CII Telangana has seized the opportunity to empower working women and youth through its initiatives in the state. These platforms have served as catalysts for skill development, mentorship, networking, and advocacy, fostering professional growth and entrepreneurship among women and youth. By harnessing the collective strength of IWN and Yi, CII Telangana has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity, diversity, and leadership.

Over all, maximum number of primary CII Members in the state, large number of non-members, Government and regulatory officials and media were engaged extensively during his tenure.

Agritech South was a notable activity which impacted around 5000 farmers and large number of agri and food industries. On the Annual Day held on 03 March, under the Chairmanship of Mr. C Shekar Reddy 4 sectoral White Papers and 01 MSME Report was released which was received very well by the industry and other stakeholders.

Past Roles:

National President, CREDAI
Immediate Past Chairman, CII Telangana
Immediate Past Chairman, IGBC Hyderabad Chapter
Former Director, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
Founder President, CREDAI Andhra Pradesh
Former Governing Board Member, National Academy of Construction (NAC)
Founder Governing Board Member, Construction Skill Development Council (CSDC)
Founder Governing Board Member, Indian Plumbing Skills Council (IPSC)
Former Member, Steering Committee of the Planning Commission of India

Restoration of Lotus Pond

The Lotus Pond project, spearheaded by the Builders Forum in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH), stands as a landmark eco-conservation initiative. Located on Road No. 12 Extension, Banjara Hills, this 11-acre perennial water body, once plagued by neglect and misuse, has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem and community space.

Key Highlights of the Project:

Conservation and Beautification:
- The primary objective was to preserve the natural ecosystem while enhancing the area’s aesthetics.
- Efforts included raising the bund by 5 feet, strengthening it with rubble stone and grass joints, and creating a 1.2 km pathway around the pond.
Eco-Friendly Restoration:
- Over 500 truckloads of waste were removed, sewerage inflow was halted, and washermen families were relocated.
- Native plants and lush lawns were introduced to attract migratory birds, maintaining the ecological balance.
Infrastructure Development:
- Structures like the entrance plaza, shelters, bridges, and seating pavilions were crafted using natural-looking materials, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural habitat.
- The beautification, involving artisans and landscapers, was guided by Sumanjali Landscape Architects.
Community and Government Support:
- The project was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu on November 20, 1999.
- Authorities like Dr. P.K. Mohanty (MCH Commissioner) and Shri Chandra Mohan Reddy (Urban Forestry) supported the initiative.
Environmental Impact:
- The project improved water quality and storage capacity while reintroducing a habitat for flora and fauna.
- It exemplifies sustainable development, setting a precedent for similar conservation efforts.
Vision and Legacy:
- Builders Forum aimed to inspire the community to connect with nature and advocate sustainable development.
- Lotus Pond serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility as custodians of natural resources.

This initiative, launched with the support of World Environment Day’s ethos, showcases the transformative power of partnerships between organizations, communities, and government, ensuring a better quality of life for future generations.

Our office building serves as a model of sustainable development, adhering to IGBC norms and incorporating eco-friendly features. A Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been installed, and the treated water is utilized to maintain vertical greenery established on two sides of the 5-story building. This approach demonstrates effective resource management and environmental responsibility.

This case study, showcasing the integration of green practices, was presented in a Government of India-organized webinar, highlighting its success and replicability. Enclosed are the details of the presentation for reference.

Contributions to Village Development under Mission Kakatiya

C. Shekar Reddy made significant contributions to his village by adopting an agricultural tank under the Mission Kakatiya program, a flagship initiative of Hon’ble Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. He led efforts to desilt and strengthen the bund, which successfully enhanced the tank’s water holding capacity.

This initiative not only improved water availability for irrigation but also contributed to groundwater recharge, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and benefiting the local community. His work aligns with the goals of Mission Kakatiya, which focuses on restoring and rejuvenating water bodies to support rural livelihoods and ecological balance.

Felicitated for Pioneering Sustainability:

C. Shekar Reddy was honored by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for his innovative contribution to promoting sustainability through India’s First Green Building Property Show 2023. This groundbreaking initiative showcased eco-friendly construction practices, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable living solutions, setting a benchmark for green property exhibitions in the country. His visionary leadership continues to inspire the real estate industry towards a greener future.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) felicitates Mr C Shekar Reddy for his services to society , Mr Haresh Rao Hon’ble Minister for Finance felicitates Mr Reddy.

During CII Roadshow at Warangal, the office bearers of various associations felicitated Mr Reddy.

Promoting BIM Technology for Sustainable Construction

C. Shekar Reddy has been a strong advocate for integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology into the construction and real estate sector. BIM enhances efficiency by enabling precise planning, minimizing material wastage, and optimizing resource utilization during construction. This innovative approach aligns with sustainability goals, reducing the environmental footprint of projects while improving cost-effectiveness and project delivery timelines.

By promoting BIM, he has encouraged the industry to adopt advanced practices that contribute to long-term environmental and economic sustainability.Builders Delegation Visit to Singapore for Precast Technology Promotion.

Builders Delegation Visit to Singapore for Precast Technology Promotion

A delegation of builders, led by C. Shekar Reddy, visited construction projects in Singapore to study and promote the adoption of precast technology in the construction sector. This advanced building methodology significantly reduces material wastage, accelerates project timelines, and minimizes on-site pollution levels.

The visit provided valuable insights into Singapore’s cutting-edge practices, showcasing how precast technology enhances efficiency and sustainability in construction. The delegation aims to implement these learnings to drive environmentally friendly and resource-efficient practices in India’s real estate and construction industry.

IGBC award presented to Hon’ble CM for Integrated Command Control centre project

Significant time, energy, and effort were invested in creating awareness and persuading the Engineer-in-Chief of R&B to adopt green ratings for R&B and special buildings under their purview. These efforts led to the adoption of IGBC ratings for several landmark projects, including the Integrated Command Control Centre, the new Secretariat, the Yadadri Temple, and the super Specialty Hospital in Warangal, with many future projects also committing to this standard.

A major milestone was the incorporation of green building specifications into R&B tender documents, ensuring sustainability is embedded in project execution. These initiatives, driven by the Chairman of the local IGBC chapter, have set a precedent for other projects and inspired similar practices in other states, significantly advancing the green building movement across the region.

Hon’ble Minister’s appreciates Telangana’s green activities

As Chairman of CII Telangana, organized a workshop on the Telangana Mega Master Plan 2050 and Musi Riverfront Development, showcasing various riverfront projects executed by consultants across the globe. A walkthrough of these projects was exhibited to benefit the Industries Minister, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, and the Managing Director of the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation, who appreciated the initiative.

Prominent consultants presented their expertise during the workshop, offering valuable inputs on sustainable measures for executing the Musi Riverfront project. In a subsequent workshop, the findings were presented to the Chief Minister, emphasizing the importance of long-term, sustainable strategies for the state’s urban planning and development.