Minal Srinivasan was standing in the vast area of the Industrial Park. It was enormous as far as her own experience. She was recollecting the same experience from a similar project of hers in the past. The expanse was that of another industrial corridor, just like today. And just like today, Minal was representing Kesari Infrabuild as its Managing Director (MD).
Minal recalled, “It was one of the most transformative initiatives I led,” Minal recalls. “A large-scale Environmental Compliance and Audit project for two Industrial Parks in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, spanning thousands of hectares. It was a massive challenge, but also an incredible opportunity to redefine how sustainability can be integrated into large-scale infrastructure projects.”
That project wasn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes—it was about pioneering a movement. Under her leadership, Kesari Infrabuild achieved a groundbreaking milestone: India’s first Gold Green City pre certification under the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for those two Smart Cities. It was an achievement that set a new benchmark in the industry, proving that sustainability and large-scale industrial development could not only coexist but thrive together.
“Ensuring environmental compliance for infrastructure development at this scale was a landmark project for us,” she says, the passion in her voice unwavering. “It lasted almost five years, but every step was a testament to our commitment. Aligning infrastructure development goals with sustainability goals is what made this project stand out. Today, it remains one of the biggest feathers in our cap.”
For Minal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project was proof that a strong, value-driven approach can create lasting environmental impact. It wasn’t just about building smart cities; it was about reimagining the future where growth and green initiatives go hand in hand.
As she stands on yet another industrial frontier, ready to take on new challenges, one thing is clear—Minal Srinivasan isn’t just transforming sustainability in India. She’s defining its future.
Redefining Eco-friendliness in Industrial Development
The future is always built on the solid foundations of the past—a belief that has shaped Minal’s journey as one of India’s most influential environmental leaders. Yet, her path into the environmental infrastructure sector was anything but conventional.
Standing at the helm of Kesari Infrabuild, Minal reflects on the road that led her here. Seventeen years in corporate leadership had given her deep insights into business strategy and operations, but something was missing. The call for sustainability grew louder—not just as a corporate responsibility but as a driving force for real change.
“After spending 17 years in corporate leadership, I found myself increasingly drawn to sustainability—not just as a concept, but as something that could drive real, lasting change,” she recalls. “When the sector started seeing stricter regulations, I saw both a challenge and an opportunity.”
While many saw environmental compliance as a regulatory hurdle, Minal saw a transformational shift waiting to happen. The decision to join Kesari Infrabuild—then a startup family business—wasn’t just about entrepreneurship; it was about creating impact from the ground up.
“Joining Kesari Infrabuild felt like a natural step, allowing me to combine my passion with a growing industry need,” she explains. “Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field only fueled my determination to prove that infrastructure and environmental responsibility don’t have to be at odds.”
The journey was far from easy. Infrastructure has long been a male-dominated industry, where sustainability often took a backseat to speed and profitability. But Minal was determined to change the narrative. Armed with her expertise in consultancy and corporate strategy, she built a team of technical experts and environmental specialists, ensuring Kesari Infrabuild had the depth, credibility, and execution power to deliver on its vision.
“My experience in consultancy helped me bring together a team of experts, ensuring we had the technical depth to turn what was once a niche opportunity into a nationally recognized business,” she says.
Today, Kesari Infrabuild is more than a compliance consultancy—it is a force of change in India’s infrastructure sector. From large-scale industrial parks to smart cities, Minal’s work ensures that sustainability is embedded in every step of the development process.
“We’re not just helping companies stay compliant—we’re actively shaping a more sustainable future for the industry,” she asserts.
From a corporate boardroom to the industrial frontlines, Minal’s story is one of vision, resilience, and transformation. She is not just leading change—she is defining the future of sustainable infrastructure in India.
Leading with Conscious Capitalism
Every positive change is built on a foundation of strong principles. For Minal, the philosophy that drives her work is “Conscious Capitalism.”
“It’s not just about the relentless pursuit of wealth or building a business,” she explains. “It’s about creating enterprises that are firmly rooted in consciousness, protecting the 3Ps—People, Processes, and Planet.”
This belief has shaped the core of Kesari Infrabuild’s mission. Operating at the intersection of environmental conservation and sustainable infrastructure, the company ensures that profitability and responsibility go hand in hand.
“Sustainability is not only the future—it’s an imperative now,” Minal states. “Fortunately, we are in a niche space where doing good for the environment and doing well in business aren’t mutually exclusive—they go hand in hand. And I think that’s what keeps me motivated to do better and better.”
By embedding sustainability into business strategy, Minal isn’t just changing industries—she’s proving that economic success and environmental stewardship can thrive together.
A Transformational Leader in Environmental Protection
True environmental transformation requires cause-conscious leadership—and Minal stands out as one of its most compassionate champions. What sets her apart is her rare ability to merge deep technical expertise with a solution-driven mindset.
“Navigating complex environmental frameworks while taking a hands-on approach to problem-solving has been key to positioning myself as a leader in sustainability,” Minal shares. Her extensive background in consultancy and infrastructure has given her the expertise to drive real, measurable impact across industries.
Her approach is far from theoretical—she works directly on critical environmental aspects like water, wastewater, biodiversity, soil, and air quality. “I focus on bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and sustainable infrastructure,” she explains, “ensuring that businesses and communities can thrive while minimizing their environmental footprint.”
By championing practical yet transformative solutions, Minal is proving that sustainability isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s the foundation of a resilient and prosperous future.
Championing Earth-Consciousness Through Empowerment and Purpose
For Minal, true leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowerment. Her approach is simple yet profound: “Lead by example and empower the team.”
In the fast-evolving world of sustainability, micromanagement has no place. “I trust my people and give them the space to take ownership of their work, but they also know I’m there to support them when needed. We’re all in this together, working towards a common goal of making a real impact.”
At Kesari Infrabuild, Minal fosters a culture of open communication and transparency. “I want everyone to feel comfortable sharing ideas and raising concerns. If we can talk openly about what’s working and what isn’t, it keeps us agile and adaptable in this constantly changing field.”
For her, leadership isn’t about holding power but about bringing out the best in people. “At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about being at the top—it’s about ensuring that we’re all aligned on our bigger mission.” By blending trust, collaboration, and purpose, Minal is not just leading a business—she’s driving a movement for a greener future.
Driving Climate-friendliness Through Innovation and Pragmatism
For Minal, the future of sustainability lies in innovation, disruption, and a deep commitment to transformation.
“Balancing operational constraints with environmental protection isn’t always easy, but it’s something we’ve made a priority from day one,” Minal explains. At Kesari Infrabuild, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s embedded in every project from the start.
“When we take on a new project, we look for ways to integrate green solutions that fit within the practical constraints of the project. Whether it’s water treatment, waste management, or sustainable landscaping, we make sure that the environmental impact is always considered, even when dealing with tight budgets or timelines.”
For Minal, sustainability isn’t about compromise—it’s about creativity and bold problem-solving. “Sure, there are challenges, especially when working on large-scale projects, but we’ve always found that it’s possible to meet business needs while protecting the environment. A big part of that comes from being willing to innovate and think outside the box—using new technologies or pushing for smarter, more sustainable approaches.”
By championing practical innovation, Minal is proving that sustainability and progress can go hand in hand—reshaping the future, one project at a time.
Harnessing Technology for a Green-minded Prospect
In the rapidly evolving world of sustainability, digitalization and technological advancements are no longer optional—they’re essential. Minal has been at the forefront of integrating IoT, AI, and blockchain into sustainability-driven infrastructure.
“We continuously integrate cutting-edge solutions across water management, wastewater treatment, environmental consultancy, and solid waste management. These technologies help us optimize processes, enhance sustainability, ensure compliance, and drive a resource-efficient future with minimal environmental impact.”
Technology isn’t just an enabler—it’s a game-changer. “We are one of the very few businesses in this space where we have leveraged AI to build operational efficiencies. Whether it’s AI-based project management tools, research for consultancy projects, or AI-driven platforms for shared services like HR and accounts, we are committed to quick technological adaptation across our enterprise-wide functions.”
By embracing automation, data intelligence, and digital transformation, Minal ensures that sustainability isn’t just a vision—it’s a scalable, efficient, and future-ready reality. In her world, innovation isn’t just about progress—it’s about making every step greener, smarter, and more impactful.
Building a Workforce for a Nature-friendly Way Ahead
At the heart of every transformational endeavour is a strong, skilled, and motivated workforce. For Minal Srinivasan, investing in people is just as crucial as investing in technology and sustainability.
“We place a strong emphasis on skill development by offering targeted training, mentorship programs, and hands-on opportunities. Open communication, regular recognition, and a growth mindset are at the heart of fostering innovation and accountability. By empowering leadership at every level and providing clear paths for professional advancement, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and fully equipped to drive success.”
Leading in India’s sustainability sector hasn’t been without its challenges. Minal recalls, “One instance that stands out was navigating a particularly complex project that required multiple environmental clearances across various jurisdictions. The process was time-consuming, with unexpected delays and shifting regulations. Instead of being discouraged, we leveraged our team’s expertise, built strong relationships with stakeholders, and adapted to evolving regulations. The outcome not only delivered the project on time but also reinforced our resilience and ability to innovate in the face of adversity.”
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, Minal ensures that her team is prepared for the future—one where sustainability and success go hand in hand.
Shaping India’s Path to a Clean, Green, and Carbon-neutral Tomorrow
For Minal, sustainability isn’t just an industry—it’s a responsibility. As India moves toward its net-zero target for 2070, she believes that businesses, policymakers, and individuals must work together to drive real change.
“For those looking to enter this space, I first want to congratulate them. Building an enterprise while protecting the environment is one of the most noble pursuits today. My biggest advice? Start with self-awareness. Understand what drives you, recognize your strengths, and don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Many, especially women, hesitate due to societal conditioning or self-imposed limitations. The real challenge is breaking free from that ‘sticky ground’—once you do, taking action becomes easier. Sustainability isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of thinking, a long-term commitment that demands resilience and adaptability. Keep pushing forward, and the impact will follow.”
Looking toward 2025 and beyond, Minal envisions Kesari Infrabuild as a catalyst for change in India’s infrastructure sector.
“Sustainability in construction and infrastructure shouldn’t just be an alternative—it must become the norm. We’re focused on expanding our reach through strategic partnerships, using technology to make sustainable solutions more efficient and cost-effective, and streamlining environmental compliance. Innovation in water conservation, wastewater management, enhancement of Carbon sinks in Urban Infrastructure projects will remain at the core of our efforts, supporting a circular economy. By aligning these initiatives, we aim to make a tangible, lasting impact on India’s transition to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.”
With passion, perseverance, and a vision for the future, Minal Srinivasan is not just transforming businesses—she’s shaping the future of sustainability.
