CSR: Baxter Empowers Ahmedabad Communities with Sustainable Access to Water through Project SRUJAL

Baxter Pharmaceuticals India Private Limited has announced the successful completion of Project SRUJAL, a multi-year corporate responsibility initiative focused on improving water access in communities near the company’s manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad. The multimillion-dollar initiative has reached an estimated 46,000 people residing in 11 villages within the Sanand, Bavla and Dholka talukas of the Ahmedabad district.

“Project SRUJAL reflects Baxter’s corporate responsibility commitment to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work. By integrating water infrastructure development, education and awareness, this project has improved livelihoods, fostered healthier communities and paved the way for a more sustainable future,” said Rishikesh Jaiwant, Senior Director, Manufacturing & Operations, Baxter Pharmaceuticals India Private Limited.

In addition to infrastructure development, Project SRUJAL prioritized educating community members about water safety and security and empowering them to maintain the infrastructure independently and sustainably in the future. This included building local capabilities and institutional capacities by establishing Village Development Committees and SRUJAL Doots (local water ambassadors), providing comprehensive training programs to equip pump operators with the necessary skills to operate and maintain water pumps, and implementing awareness-building initiatives such as visiting model villages to learn about local best practices and conducting school-level programs. Additionally, Project SRUJAL used Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to promote responsible water consumption and conservation.

Following the completion of Project SRUJAL, Baxter has transferred the management of the developed water-related infrastructure to the village panchayats and local communities. This transfer of responsibility aims to foster a sense of community ownership and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.