Mumbai: On the occasion of World Water Day, Hinduja Foundation’s flagship ‘Jal Jeevan’ initiative restored a staggering 5 trillion litres of water which is said to benefit 50 lakh people across India. The success is a result of the collaboration across Hinduja Group companies and 24 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) transforms over 4,000 villages in 18 states and union territories
About The Initiative
Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, announced that it has positively impacted 50 lakh people across more than 4,000 villages in 18 states and union territories, achieving a significant milestone under its flagship Jal Jeevan initiative. The Foundation’s Water Steward initiatives, recognized by all Hinduja Group companies, has led to the restoration of a staggering 5 trillion litres of water covering nearly 40 lakh acres of agricultural land.
Furthermore, the Foundation has successfully revived 100 lakes, constructed and rehabilitated 20,000 open wells, installed 765 check-dams to enhance groundwater recharge, and provided 1.2 billion liters of safe drinking water. Additionally, 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been established, making a tangible difference in water-stressed communities.
Statement Of The President Of The Hinduja Foundation
Paul Abraham, president of the Hinduja Foundation, said, “Water security is one of India’s most pressing challenges, with demand projected to double by 2030. Jal Jeevan is more than just a water initiative as it empowers communities to thrive. Water stewardship is the Hinduja Foundation’s champion cause. Under Jal Jeevan, our water mission is building climate resilience, rejuvenating agriculture and securing livelihoods across India. Our interventions span from groundwater recharge and urban lake restoration, afforestation and Himalayan spring rejuvenation.”
The foundation’s efforts extend to promoting access to safe drinking water through rooftop harvesting structures, reducing the burden on women in rural areas, and fostering women’s empowerment and livelihood opportunities. Restoration of water bodies to replenish groundwater and create water storage capacity is also a key focus. Large-scale watershed and spring shed management, coupled with support for wadi cultivation, sprinkler, drip, and micro-irrigation systems, further contribute to water conservation.
About Notable Water Body Restoration Projects
Notable water body restoration projects include the Nilgiri Wellington Wetland, in collaboration with the Indian Army, restoration of ponds at the State Reserve Police Force in Pune, stepwells like the 1,000-year-old heritage stepwell Hauz Shamshi in Delhi, the historic Makarba Tank in Ahmedabad, Rani Moosi Sagar in Alwar, and Nawalkha Bawri in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The foundation is also actively engaged in afforestation efforts across India.
The Hinduja Foundation’s spring restoration project has been recognised by NITI Aayog as a vital solution for the restoration of rivers originating from mountainous regions and by the UN CEO Water Mandate 100 basin program for its support of the Ganga basin. Hinduja Foundation remains committed to expanding water conservation efforts, empowering communities, and advocating for responsible water management policies. By leveraging the expertise of Hinduja Group companies, the Jal Jeevan initiative continues to drive transformative change in water-stressed regions, ensuring a more water-secure future for India.
Hinduja Foundation’s Jal Jeevan programme is currently active in 18 states of India including Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha among others. Hinduja Group Jal Jeevan program’s achievements since 2018 includes recharging groundwater to fill 507 million water tankers, dispensing safe drinking water to the tune of 51 million jerry cans of 20 litres each, revival of agricultural land equivalent to 2,36,000 football fields and increased water holding capacity equal to 52,466 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
