Anandana – The Coca‑Cola India Foundation is committed to water conservation by supporting communities with projects focused on water harvesting, clean drinking water, watershed management, and restoring traditional water sources. Here’s how these initiatives are making a difference:

1. Turning Barren Lands into Thriving Farms in Anantapur

Anantapur, one of India’s driest districts, has long suffered from erratic rainfall and depleting groundwater levels, leaving farmers struggling to grow crops (Source). To address this challenge, Anandana, in collaboration with the SM Sehgal Foundation, launched Project Jaldhara.

The initiative led to the construction of five check dams, replenishing groundwater and reviving agriculture. Farmers who once struggled with barren fields are now cultivating multiple crops, ensuring food security and improved incomes.

“Before, our lands remained dry, and farming was unpredictable. Now, with water readily available, we can grow three to five crops a year instead of just one,” shares E Sudhakar, a farmer from Kodur village.

2. Bringing Water Closer and Empowering Communities in Madhya Pradesh

For women in Bijawar block, Chhatarpur, the daily struggle of fetching water meant walking miles, leaving little time for work or education. Meanwhile, water scarcity had also driven migration, with many farmers abandoning agriculture altogether.

With Project Pragati Graam, Anandana and Haritika introduced stop dams and ponds, bringing water access closer to communities. The result? Women now have the freedom to focus on their families and aspirations, while farmers are returning to their land.

“Earlier, we had to carry water on our heads from distant sources. Now, life is easier, and we have more time for our children’s education,” says Kalawati from Ganeshganj.

Makkhan, a farmer who had left Bijawar due to water shortages, is now back: “With better irrigation, I can grow multiple crops and support my family without taking loans.”

3. Reviving Agriculture and Reducing Migration in Dholpur

Once a thriving agricultural hub, Tontari village in Dholpur faced severe groundwater depletion, forcing many farmers to stop cultivation and migrate to cities. Recognizing the need for intervention, Anandana partnered with the Lupin Human Welfare & Research Foundation to construct two check dams, restoring water availability.

Today, farming is flourishing again, and migration has significantly reduced.

Kamala from Dholpur recalls, “Every morning, I walked miles just to fetch a single bucket. But with rainwater harvesting initiatives by the Coca-Cola India Foundation, everything changed. The Coca-Cola India Foundation’s rainwater harvesting didn’t just transform my life—it sparked change across our community. Over 100 projects and billions of liters replenished annually prove the power of working together for a better future.”

4. Strengthening Water Security and Livelihoods in Sikar

Sikar, a vast district in Rajasthan, has long struggled with erratic rainfall and over-exploited land, leading to severe socio-economic issues. High fluoride levels in water sources further worsened the crisis, affecting both human health and agricultural productivity. Forced by necessity, many families have had to leave their homes, migrating to the cities in a bid to secure better livelihoods.

In collaboration with SARA, Anandana implemented a water conservation initiative, constructing check dams and ponds to restore water availability. This intervention has rejuvenated over a billion liters of water, benefiting thousands of more people. Farmers, who once struggled with severe water shortages, now cultivate their fields with renewed confidence, growing multiple crops every year. This newfound water security has led to increased incomes and livelihood generation, reviving the local economy and community. Women, previously burdened with collecting water, now have more time for household and economic activities, fostering community resilience.

“Earlier, our sheep drank salty tanker water, and many fell sick. Now, they are healthier, and we’ve expanded our herd from 20 to 50,” explains Gumani, a farmer from Mangra village.

From restoring barren lands to improving access to clean drinking water and enhancing community resilience, Anandana’s efforts demonstrate the power of sustainable water management. These initiatives not only provide immediate relief but also create long-term resilience for communities across India.

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The Bank, as part of this initiative, will build additional 1,253 water harvesting structures to benefit over 9000 households across India helping them get clean drinking water. The initiative is present in Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

Standard Chartered Bank, through its WASHE (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Education) programme has been committed to create a water-secure future for communities in drought-prone areas with strategic scientific support and integrated water resource management. The programme spreads across difficult topographies and terrains from enhancing water availability through spring shed management and artificial glaciers in Ladakh and Uttarakhand to leveraging on hyper local innovations for water harvesting in drought prone areas of Rajasthan.

The WASHE programme currently supports 369 drought-prone villages across multiple states by providing essential access to clean and safe drinking water. With a capacity to generate 1.3 billion litres of freshwater annually, the Bank has aided construction of 2,899 water harvesting structures to support over 1.5 million people in these regions, including 700,000 women. This integrated approach addresses both immediate water needs and long-term development goals, ensuring the sustainability of water resources for future generations.

A key achievement in the Bank’s efforts is the establishment of 135 solar-powered water ATMs (water vending machines) in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which provide clean drinking water to approximately 2,000 families per unit. These ATMs have revolutionised water access, particularly for communities at risk due to water contamination.  These efforts have also positively generated water-based livelihoods for the community and created many water entrepreneurs.

With a focus on environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, WASHE initiatives also treats grey water, with an annual capacity of 500 million litres in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

WASHE programme, so far has enabled irrigation of 2,830 hectares of land, benefiting local farmers and improving agricultural productivity in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, it has trained over 40,000 youth, women and community workers to actively engage in water conservation and sustainable agricultural practices in West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking at the occasion, Karuna Bhatia, Head of Sustainability, India, Standard Chartered Bank, said, “At Standard Chartered, we believe that access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives social and economic progress. Through WASHE, the Bank has made a significant impact in several drought-prone villages by not only addressing immediate water needs but also empowering communities through education, youth engagement, and sustainable resource management.

This programme exemplifies the Bank’s dedication to improving the lives of the people and building a water-secure future for millions of people. With plans to extend its impact by constructing more water harvesting structures, we will continue to uplift communities and foster long-term resilience in regions affected by water scarcity and contamination,” Karuna Bhatia added.

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Diarrhoea is among the seven most common waterborne diseases in the world. Research shows that diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of five, causing more childhood deaths than malaria, AIDS, and measles combined.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio and is estimated to cause approximately 505, 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Absent, inadequate, or inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks. This is particularly the case in health care facilities where both patients and staff are placed at additional risk of infection and disease when water, sanitation and hygiene services are lacking.

Diarrhoea

According to the UNESCO 2021 World Water Development Report, about 829,000 people die each year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene, including nearly 300,000 children under the age of five, representing 5.3 percent of all deaths in this age group.

According to UNDDR, Diarrhoea occurs worldwide and causes 4% of all deaths and 5% of health loss to various forms of disability or loss of function. It is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal infections which kill around 2.2 million people globally each year, mostly children in developing countries. Use of water in hygiene is an important preventive measure but contaminated water is also an important cause of diarrhoea. Cholera and dysentery cause severe, sometimes life-threatening forms of diarrhoea.

Cholera

Cholera is often a consequence of poor sanitation and contaminated water. It leads to severe dehydration and diarrhoea. Cholera can be fatal within days or even hours of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps in muscles.

Typhoid

It is estimated that up to 20 million people worldwide suffer from typhoid each year, underprivileged population of developing countries being especially vulnerable. Contaminated food, unsafe water and poor sanitation are the major causes of this contagious disease. Symptoms of typhoid include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, sweating, diarrhoea or constipation.

Giardia

Caused by contaminated water, most often in ponds and streams and swimming pools, this infection normally lasts for a few weeks. However, it is possible for the patient to experience intestinal problems later in life. It is characterised by abdominal pain, cramps and bloating, diarrhoea and nausea resulting to weight loss.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by consuming contaminated food and water or by physical proximity with any infected person. People working in rural communities with poor sanitation and hygiene management are vulnerable to Hepatitis A, if not vaccinated. Hepatitis A is characterised by discoloured bowel, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen near liver, loss of appetite and bouts of fever. Hepatitis A is normally short-lived but if severe can last up to a few months.

Dysentery

Another disease caused by polluted water, dysentery is characterised by severe diarrhoea along with blood or mucus in the stool. A person suffering from dysentery can experience stomach cramps and pain, diarrhoea, fever, nausea, vomiting and dehydration.

Hygienic practices like washing hands with soap before meals can prevent this health issue. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites in unsafe food and water can cause dysentery. People coming in contact with faecal matter can also fall prey to dysentry.

E. coli

Escherichia Coli commonly known as E. coli is a bacteria which has both dangerous and beneficial strains. Contaminated water, especially if the source of water for humans and cattle is the same is the breeding ground for this bacterium. Symptoms of dangerous strains of E. coli are similar to that of dysentery and other waterborne diseases.

Salmonella

This can be caused by water contaminated with faecal waste. However it can also come from undercooked meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Children, pregnant women, aged people, and people with weak immune systems are vulnerable. People affected by this disease experience dehydration, blood in stool, shivering, headache and diarrhoea.

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M3M Foundation recently rejuvenated a pond with 7753 CuM water storage capacity in Ghamroj as part of our initiative ‘Sankalp’, a commitment towards environmental conservation. The initiative in the Ghamroj village is implemented with the partner organization, the Sir Syed Trust.

In metropolitan cities like Gurugram during the monsoon, the issue of waterlogging is of great concern. To conserve water and address the issue, the M3M Foundation, in collaboration with the Sir Syed Trust, decided to build a rainwater harvesting structure to create recharge potential and address water misuse.

With this brainchild, the pond at Ghamroj Village has been recreated with a new face under M3M Foundation’s flagship programme ‘Sankalp’ which was inaugurated on World Water Day by Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS (DC Gurugram), Mr. Pradeep Singh, IAS (SDM Sohna), Smt. Sadhana Rani (Sarpanch Ghamroj) in the presence of Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan (President M3M Foundation) and the community members, Sankalp Samitis, children. More than 200 members were part of the ceremony.

M3M Foundation believes, reviving nature will revive the lost ecosystem. The initiative of reviving the pond with the participatory approach from the community itself is commendable. The pond’s unique feature is that the community owns it. They will collectively take care of its maintenance. During the inaugural ceremony, a plantation drive was also organized, and guests, community members, and the sarpanch planted samples of Peepal trees.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS (DC Gurugram) said, “Environment is the priority area to work when we talk about working for development. The kind of initiatives M3M Foundation is undertaking should be extended so that they reach the masses. Small initiatives like these will make a big change. The contribution M3M Foundation has in reviving lives through protecting the environment where we live is tremendous.”

M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M3M Group, is working towards equitable development with a vision of a brighter India. Its main areas are education, environment, health, disaster management and socio-economic development. The Foundation believes in adopting an innovative approach to address social issues by developing a self-sustaining programme.

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What is data analytics for water management?

Data analytics is the process of examining large sets of data to uncover hidden patterns, correlations, and insights. The knowledge of Data Analytics is widely used in recent times to make all kinds of decisions – be it personal, professional, business, or administrative. In the context of water management, data analytics involves collecting data from various sources such as sensors, satellites, weather stations, and other sources and analysing it to better understand water usage, availability, and quality.

Apple’s Collaboration with Frank Water for Improved Water Management in India

Apple has partnered with an NGO in the UK, Frank Water, to improve water management in India. The project will focus on the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, which have been facing water scarcity due to climate change and population growth. The project aims to provide access to safe drinking water and improve water management in the region.

As part of the project, Apple will use its data analytics expertise to collect and analyse water usage data. The data will be used to identify areas where water is being wasted or used inefficiently and to predict future water demand. By analysing water usage patterns, Apple and Frank Water hope to allocate water resources efficiently and ensure that water is distributed to areas where it is needed the most.

The partnership with Frank Water is part of Apple’s broader efforts to promote sustainable water management. In 2013, Apple launched a water management program that uses data analytics to identify leaks in its facilities and reduce water usage. Since then, the program has saved more than 5 billion gallons of water.

Benefits of using data analytics for water management

1. Improved water efficiency

Data analytics can help in identifying areas where water is being wasted or used inefficiently. By analysing water usage data, water managers can detect leaks, identify areas of high water consumption, and reduce water waste. For example, Apple has implemented a water management program that uses data analytics to identify leaks in their facilities and reduce water usage. Apple has saved more than 5 billion gallons of water through this program since 2013.

2. Early detection of water quality issues

Water quality is a critical factor in water management, and data analytics can help in the early detection of water quality issues. By analysing water quality data, water managers can detect pollutants, identify the sources of contamination, and take preventive measures to protect water quality. For example, the city of San Francisco uses data analytics to monitor the water quality in its reservoirs and detect any changes in water quality before they become a health hazard.

3. Better water allocation

Data analytics can help in better water allocation by analysing water usage patterns and predicting future water demand. By analysing water usage data, water managers can allocate water resources efficiently and ensure that water is distributed to areas where it is needed the most. For example, the city of Cape Town, South Africa, used data analytics to predict water demand during a severe drought and implemented water restrictions to ensure that water was distributed to areas where it was needed the most.

Challenges of data analytics for water management

While data analytics can provide valuable insights into water management, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the collection and management of large amounts of data. Water managers need to ensure that the data collected is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date. Another challenge is the need for specialised skills and expertise in data analytics. Water managers need to have the necessary skills and training to analyse and interpret the data. While these skills at the moment are rare, more and more individuals are working towards acquiring these skills to fill up this futuristic skill gap.

Conclusion

Water management is a complex issue, and data analytics can provide valuable insights into water usage, availability, and quality. By analysing large sets of data, water managers can identify areas of inefficiency, detect water quality issues, and allocate water resources efficiently. While there are some challenges to implementing data analytics for water management, the benefits are significant. As we celebrate World Water Day, it is essential to recognise the role that data analytics can play in achieving sustainable water management.

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On World Water Day this year, Mumbai’s Water Hero Subhajit Mukherjee opens up in an exclusive interaction, about his book ‘Jal Sanchay: The Urban Water Insurance’ the soft copy of which is being launched today.

An HR professional by profession, Subhajit Mukeherjee started an initiative called ‘Mission Green Mumbai’ in 2010 with an intention to add green cover in Mumbai and motivate people to plant trees.

However, a lot of people Subhajit approached, complained about scarcity of water in their area as a reason why they do not plant trees. This is when he began brainstorming into a way how grey water and rain water can be treated naturally to make them reusable for non-drinking purpose. He has even got his invention patented under the name of RWH Percolation Barrel.

Subhajit was honoured as a ‘Water Hero’ by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India in 2020. The hard copy of his book ‘Jal Sanchay: The Urban Water Insurance’ will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi very soon. Below are excerpts from his conversation with The CSR Journal.

Please tell us about the grey water treatment system designed by you

I have invented a technique where just by spending Rs 1000-2000, you can convert all your grey water into usable water for gardening. If the water is non-chemical in nature, i.e, not coming from any laboratory etc., then basic treatment is done with natural resources like coconut husk, sand, charcoal and thick sand. I do water harvesting with both grey water and rain water.

In the system I have designed, there is always an exit drain for kitchen water which is going into a drum. The same applies for rain water coming from the terrace. It helps to catch the water, filter it and make it percolate into the ground. This is a process where we install a barrel inside the ground to increase water. Holding capacity and holes around the barrel allows the water soak into the ground slowly. After placing the barrel at the centre of the pit, we cover the gap with stones which acts as a filter bed and keeps the mud and other dust away from going into the ground.

This blue barrel is not compulsory but when we have very less space say in a city where only 5 ft by 5 ft is available. We have to put this barrel to increase the water collection during monsoon for percolation.

What is your book ‘Jal Sanchay: The Urban Water Insurance’ about?

The biggest challenge in the present day is that the cost of installation, why a person should install and how can we make it DIY. These three factors are the most important, which the Prime Minister suggested to me. Based on this, I have written a book which is a to the point, pictorial know-how of various types of buildings found in an urban landscape and how you can economically install a rainwater harvesting system, which will directly benefit you.

Whenever people approach me for installing a rainwater harvesting system, I always ask them why they want to install it. The reasons are mainly water shortage, water logging or flood like situation inside a residential or commercial building, ground floor apartment flooding in monsoon and very few people who want to do it as a way of contributing to the environment. With all these in my mind, I have designed this book.

In any urban landscape, there are 10 types of installations like bungalows, housing society, educational institutions, commercial premise etc. Every building has a different kind of water need. My suggestions on how to address that, has been mentioned in this book. I have tried to make every individual aware about water conservation, technical infrastructure and economic aspects. I have tried to make it as simple as possible so that everyone can understand and benefit from it and nobody is misguided by wrong suggestions. This is why this book is extremely important.

The hard copy will be launched by the Honourable Prime Minister very soon while the e-book will be freely available to everyone today onwards. The book is available both in Hindi and English.

How did you earn the honour of Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Water Hero?

This grey water recycling system has become popular as Rainwater Harvesting Barrel. So, I got it patented under the name of RWH Percolation Barrel. This has become very popular and today more than 10,000 installations are there. The Government of India has made me a poster boy for this and has given this a lot of recognition. I have even got to meet our honourable Prime Minister and the honourable Minister of Jal Shakti Ministry Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji.

I was honoured as a Water Hero by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2020. After our Honourable Prime Minister announced the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ (focused on saving and conserving rainwater), Kiran Bedi ma’am already knew about my innovation of using grey water and referred my name to the Ministry of Jal Shakti and NITI Aayog.

Being a Water Hero, my job was to do a lot of seminars. I did more than 130 seminars during the lockdown especially with students and youth. Gradually, I gained expertise in rainwater harvesting, which is not just for watering trees but this grey water can also be used for non-drinking purpose like mopping floors, cleaning toilets etc.

Is this method useful in areas which are draught-prone or have very limited rainfall?

This system is designed for areas where there is no or very less rainfall. In places where people do not even get adequate water to drink and have to buy every drop from a tanker, in such areas my innovation can be utilised to convert grey water into reusable water for non-drinking purpose. This is a technique which will work 365 days, during monsoon as rainwater harvesting and before or after monsoon as grey water harvesting. If you make this system around a borewell, it will have water. All the dead and dry borewells of BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) garden department are now full of water because of this technique which they have installed. Most of these have been installed by me with CSR support.

Which companies have supported you with CSR fund?

Mahindra Logistics and Zim Intergrated Shipping Services have been a major support. BMC has also installed this system from their own pocket.

I have travelled in over 10 cities to install this, with the help of municipal bodies. These include Prayagraj, Delhi, Noida, Ajmer, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. We have installed this system and also spread awareness through campaigns.

What is the role of ‘Mission Green Mumbai’?

The initiative began by distributing saplings and then we started making gardens. We have planted more than 17,000 trees with the help of citizens and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Since 2017, I am full time into Mission Green Mumbai. Now we are even more structured than before because we have been doing this for more than a decade.

We give a special focus in three dimensions where first we plant new trees. Second, we protect the existing trees and third, we focus in spreading awareness by visiting his schools, colleges and community groups for tree care and awareness.

With the help of BMC I have introduced Miyawaki forests to Mumbai. BMC has helped me by giving a lot of space. I have built around 40 Miyawaki forests in Mumbai, a kind of dense micro-forest rich in biodiversity, which is gaining popularity in urban areas in the present day.

One thing I observed that whenever I tried to encourage people to plant trees, they replied saying there is a water crisis in their area. So, I invented a thing where you can use the grey water like bath water, kitchen water and washing machine water, filter it and use it for gardening purpose.

Please share a message for ‘World Water Day 2023’

This is a very simple thought that there is no green without blue, which means there is no greenery without water. It is time all of us must start planting trees, otherwise we will not be able to breathe. And if you want trees to survive, without water it is not possible. So we have to conserve our part of water before we consume water.

Ahana Bhattacharya can be reached at ahana@thecsrjournal.in

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The Jalalabad lake has been a significant source of water for the community for generations. Over the years, however, the quality of water has deteriorated due to various factors such as pollution, encroachment, and insufficient management. This initiative by Coca-Cola India helped address these issues and promote the sustainable use of water resources in the area.

Rajesh Ayapilla, Director, CSR and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia,said, “We are thrilled to launch this initiative aimed at restoring the Jalalabad lake. This project aligns with our commitment to promoting sustainable water management practices, and we hope it will help improve the lives of the local community.”

The water rejuvenation initiative involved a multi-faceted approach that incorporated identification and mitigation of pollution sources, restoration of lake ecology by introducing native species of plants and fishes, community education and awareness programs on water conservation, management and improved management of the lake through regular monitoring and maintenance.

RamveerTanvar, Founder, Say Earth and TEDx Speaker, said, “I am humbled to be a part of Coca-Cola India’s efforts towards uplifting communities and empowering them with sustainable practices. The team has worked tirelessly to develop and implement a customized plan that would address specific issues facing the lake. The success of the project will be a testament to the organization’s expertise and dedication to environmental conservation.”

This initiative will be led by the local community. By addressing water quality issues and enhancing the ecosystem, the project will contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the community. Coca-Cola India is committed towards replenishing groundwater and building water sustainability practices through efficient water management practices. The company continues its work towards environmental conservation, ecological restoration and sustainability and are looking forward to future projects that will contribute to a better, shared future.

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The workshop was organized  at the Tapukara sub-tehsil of block Tijara district Alwar, Rajasthan. The Chief Medical & Health Officer of CHC Tapukara Dr. Vinod Vijay was the chief speaker and guest. Formed in 1987, ABGUS is a voluntary civil society organization working in various areas of social welfare.

ABGUS has been working in the field of water conservation and has so far restored and resurrected six water bodies for rainwater harvesting at the Dharuhera block of district Rewari (Haryana) in village Khatawali (2 WB), village Joniawas, Village Kapdiwas, Village Rajpura & village Dhakia and one wastewater treatment pond through Seechewal model in village Dhingi block Nabha district Patiala (Punjab) since 2018. This programme benefited around 67,500 people of Haryana and Rajasthan.

In the workshop, Dr. Vijay addressed the participants and emphasized the problem of water scarcity in the area and the need to conserve water amidst COVID-19. He proposed various methods and techniques of water conservation like drip irrigation, kitchen gardening, rainwater harvesting, etc. The villagers were also made aware of COVID-19 vaccination and safety measures.

On the occasion of World Water Day, Rajesh Verma, Chief Functionary Officer & Secretary; Akhil Bhartiya Gramin Uthan Samiti said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain emphasizing the importance and need of rainwater harvesting. ABGUS has always paid attention to increasing water crisis and tried to provide aid in the various rural sector and villages especially in Rajasthan and Haryana.”

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World Water Day 2021

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the global water crisis, and a core focus of the observance is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

“Equal access to clean drinking water and efficient water management will hence define India’s ability to achieve high economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability. However, we continue to see rising demand for the world’s water resources,” says Akanksha Sharma, Head CSR and Sustainability, STL.

What is the theme for World Water Day?

The theme of World Water Day 2021 is valuing water. Without a comprehensive understanding of water’s true, multidimensional value, we will be unable to safeguard this critical resource for the benefit of everyone. Says George Rajkumar, Country President, Grundfos India, “Valuing Water is an apt theme for World Water Day this year. This is a good time for us to pause and revaluate our relationship with water as it is one of the most important natural resources and we depend so much on it. Many Indian cities and regions are battling with various water issues like water scarcity, flooding and lack of clean water. Therefore there is an urgency to protect, restore and conserve our water resources. We collectively, the Government, private industries, civil society and citizens have a role to play here – from robust policies, sustainable technologies, productive grassroot level initiatives to reduce consumption at home and have a holistic approach to manage water better. We need to look at water management with a circular economy perspective and find ways in which we efficiently use water, recycle and reuse it.

Businesses need to invest in tech and innovation to drive responsible use and where possible recycle and reuse this precious resource to decrease fresh water usage and build in consciousness among employees. Industry heavyweights such as Grundfos India and PepsiCo are investing millions in water conservation, management and lake rejuvenation. Here are the top CSR projects in this category for India:

Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is one of the certified water conservation companies and is emerging as leader in water conservation not only in the region but also at national level. Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of Vedanta Group has been declared water positive company. Giving emphasis to water conservation, the company has worked on the sustainability of water resources. HZL has state effluent treatment plants and recycling facilities, sewage treatment plants, rise in water vigilance, and water storage facilities with which it is playing an important role in water-management and progress.

While significantly contributing to the water stewardship drive, Hindustan Zinc is providing safe and pure drinking water in the remote villages of Rajasthan. The state receives lowest rainfall in the country hence it has the lowest per capita availability of water and also has a shortage of groundwater level too. The levels of arsenic, fluoride, and lead in ground water are too high, which is highly hazardous for health.

To provide safe and pure water, RO plants are set up under model project through which 1000 LPH pure water is made available. Water ATMs are also set at some places, where villagers get pure water at reasonable cost. In some areas where clean water source is not available, water is supplied through water tankers. Till now, eight RO plants and 17 ATMs have been setup. Through this, pure water is supplied to the 3200 families in 25 villages. In the coming years, five more RO plants and 22 ATMs will be set up in Debari, Dariba and Chanderiya villages.

In Udaipur, protecting reservoirs from sewage is a crucial issue. For the first time, Hindustan Zinc, in partnership with Municipal Corporation of Udaipur, has started building sewage treatment plant and completed it too. Developing alternative drinking water sources and protecting them was the need of the hour. For this, Hindustan Zinc has built first Sewage Treatment Plant in Udaipur with the capacity of 20 MLD in 2014, which is the first of its kind STP in Rajasthan.

Says CEO of Hindustan Zinc, Arun Misra, “Water conservation is a collective responsibility and needs to be a way of life in whatever we do. At Hindustan Zinc, we are already a 2.41 times Water Positive Company and have a long-term approach to water management that aims to improve our performance, efficiency, increased use of recycled water, gainful utilization of water while focusing on renewable power for sustainable development. As we move forward; we’re committed to achieving our Sustainability Development Goal of being 5 times water positive.”

Grundfos India

In 2016, Grundfos identified two SDGs as the company’s primary focus. Since then, have been globally working towards contributing to SDG 6 to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’ and SDG 13 on climate change. They plan to save close to 50 billion m3of fresh water by 2030 and actively contribute to the provision of safe drinking water to 300 million people in need.

With the belief that clean drinking water is a basic human necessity, Grundfos India partnered with the NGO, Hand in Hand in 2019, to bring clean drinking water to Thiruvanai Koil village in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. The drinking water system had a direct impact on over 250 households. On average, families in Thiruvanai Koil were able to save around 40 minutes in a day. In the same year, the company initiated another drinking water project and were able to provide drinking water to over 1,450 villagers in Maiyur Panchayat in Tamil Nadu. The villagers primarily consisted of labourers and were travelling close to 2 km every day to collect water for their daily use. The solution provided to them included a bore well, solar operated pump and storage tank. It has significantly helped to reduce the dependency on external sources and build sustainability values among the community.

“Our commitment to World Water Day is strongly aligned with our mission – through our solutions and through our actions we will ensure water access for more people around the world, safeguard our precious water resources and make a positive and lasting impact on the global climate challenges,” says Country President George Rajkumar.

STL

Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL) aims to address the water crisis by exploring innovative approaches that promote circular use of this scarce natural resource by appropriately treating wastewater for groundwater recharge, conserving water, enabling access to clean and safe drinking water, applying treated water for afforestation and agriculture as well as sensitizing stakeholders in communities and within STL through engagement programs that aim to bring in responsible use.

“At STL, we are committed to water stewardship. Our recent partnership with World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group, proactively identifies innovative and tech-driven solutions to conserve water resources and promote water security through sustained behavioural change, groundwater replenishment and livelihood enhancement. Till date over 200,000 cubic meters of water have been recycled and reused through our water interventions, helping us reduce our freshwater consumption for manufacturing. Through our CSR programmes, we have replenished over 785,000 cubic meters of water in communities which has benefitted many lives,” says Akanksha Sharma, Head CSR and Sustainability, STL.

Hinduja Group

Water is one of the ‘champion causes’ across the Hinduja Group for its multifaceted CSR activity. In 2020, the group contributed Rs. 34 crores towards water conservation, restoration and stewardship. Through the Jal Jeevan programme, more than 53,000 Ha land equivalent to 1 lakh football fields has been treated. Further, a storage capacity of approximately 25,000 Olympic swimming pools (219 million Cu. ft) has been created. Lastly this project has also been instrumental in dispensing around 629 million litres of safe drinking water.

To enhance water bodies across the country, 2400 volunteers from all group companies along with NGO partners have worked together to restore water bodies that have been heavily contaminated or dried up. The Hinduja Group also participates actively in restoring water structures such as lakes, ponds, tanks, drains, rivers and step wells, dispensing safe drinking water, rooftop harvesting in areas which receive less than 200 mm of rainfall, restoration of wetlands and Himalayan springs and watershed development. The Jal Jeevan programme is currently active in 18 states of India namely Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha to name some.

Paul Abraham, President, Hinduja Foundation said, “Our main mission is to emerge as a water-positive group by reducing operational water-related risks & contribute to nation building. Going forward, we aim to significantly impact many more human lives.”

PepsiCo

PepsiCo declares that the beverage company has helped more than 55 million people gain access to safe water globally since 2006 and out of this, 50% beneficiaries (27 million people) are from India. PepsiCo Foundation’s project with WaterAid in South India-Nelamangala, Palakkad and Sricity crossed a milestone of benefiting over 2,70,000 people through interventions in those districts and have enabled harvesting of over 160 million litres of water through rain water harvesting and recharging of over 2300 million litres of groundwater by year end 2020.

The Foundation also catalyzed nearly $700 million in additional funding over the same period which included over $22 million investment in India to partner with multiple organizations like Water.org, Safe Water Network & WaterAid to help provide safe water access to marginalized communities.

“In India specifically, PepsiCo has been helping communities to effectively conserve, manage, and distribute water for more than a decade through innovative practices like direct seeding, drip irrigation, and community water recharge interventions. PepsiCo India is also fully aligned to the Government’s Jal Jeevan Mission and the company’s philanthropic arm has committed an additional $3 million last year towards positively impacting another 2 lakh farming communities in West Bengal and Maharashtra through sustainable safe water access interventions,” says Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India.

Coca-Cola

Water is an indispensable resource for Coca-Cola India, so the company has been working since more than a decade to ensure sustainable availability of water, not only for its own business operations but also for the communities around it through its water strategy which focuses on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Replenish.

In 2007, The Coca-Cola Company made a pioneering commitment to replenish 100% of the water it uses. To meet this target, Anandana—The Coca-Cola India Foundation and the company’s bottling partners work along with regional NGO partners and community members to restore neglected and deteriorated watershed areas and other water conservation projects in remote and water-stressed areas across the country. The projects pay special attention to community participation with a focus on women, who often reach supervisory roles in the village “Pani Samitis” (water committees) to ensure maintenance and sustainability of community water projects.

Maharashtra has battled drought for many years and as a result of which the rivers have ebbed, water in dams and reservoirs has depleted and over-exploitation of groundwater has resulted in limited availability of water. Anandana has partnered with Haritika to improve water availability through run-off water harvesting measures. This helps in increasing groundwater recharge in the watershed area and improves access to water for agricultural and domestic use. It results in higher agricultural productivity and creating better employment opportunities for the local communities.

Today, Coca-Cola in India has been able to create a significant and positive impact, setting up 500 water replenishment structures with a potential of replenishing 25.1 billion litres of water.

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