Mumbai — Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, announced on the occasion of World Water Day that its flagship Jal Jeevan water stewardship initiative has successfully recharged more than 5 trillion liters of groundwater across India.
The large-scale initiative has also strengthened irrigation systems over 117,620 hectares (approximately 290,700 acres) of farmland, significantly improving water security, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods across 16 states.
Transforming Water Security at Scale
Implemented in collaboration with local communities, technical organizations, and group companies, the Jal Jeevan program follows an integrated water management approach. Key interventions include:
- Watershed and springshed management
- Rainwater harvesting systems and water ATMs
- Restoration of traditional water bodies
- Improved access to domestic water
- Promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices
These efforts have collectively enhanced groundwater recharge while building resilience against climate variability in water-stressed regions.
Leadership Perspective
Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO of the Hinduja Foundation, emphasized the importance of sustainable water management:
“Water security is closely linked to livelihood security in rural India. Through the Jal Jeevan initiative, we are working with communities to build sustainable water infrastructure that improves access, supports agriculture, and strengthens resilience against climate uncertainty.”
Impact at a Glance
The initiative has delivered measurable outcomes across rural India:
- 6 million people impacted
- 4,000 villages covered across 16 states
- 20,000 open wells revived or recharged
- 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems installed
- 125 lakes restored
- 450 springs rejuvenated
In addition, 267 natural springs have been revived in rural Uttarakhand, improving long-term water access for Himalayan communities.
Community and Livelihood Benefits
Beyond water conservation, the program has:
- Increased crop yields and farm productivity
- Improved livestock water access
- Reduced the time spent—especially by women—fetching water
- Encouraged community-led maintenance of water infrastructure
- Enhanced sanitation and hygiene standards
These interventions have contributed to stronger rural economies and improved quality of life.
Notable Project in Gujarat
One of the standout projects under the initiative is located at the Holy Jhulelal Tirthdham campus in Kutch, Gujarat. Spread across 40 acres, the site features a network of freshwater reservoirs developed around the Shri Jhulelal Temple.
This project has helped:
- Restore local ecosystems
- Enhance resilience to rising sea levels
- Support biodiversity in the region
Addressing Climate Challenges
As climate change intensifies water stress across India, the Hinduja Foundation plans to expand the Jal Jeevan initiative through partnerships with government bodies, civil society organizations, and local institutions.
The focus will remain on scalable, sustainable, and community-driven water solutions that ensure long-term impact.
About Hinduja Foundation
Hinduja Foundation is a public charitable trust established in 1968 in Mumbai. Inspired by the vision of Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, the foundation works across key sectors including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Water stewardship
- Sustainable rural development
- Social welfare, arts, culture, and sports
About Hinduja Group
Hinduja Group is a 111-year-old global conglomerate with operations in over 100 countries and a workforce of more than 250,000 employees. Founded in 1914, the group has a strong presence across industries such as:
- Automotive and mobility
- Banking and financial services
- IT and digital solutions
- Energy and healthcare
Guided by its founding philosophy—“My Dharma is to work so that I can give”—the group continues to combine global business leadership with a deep commitment to social impact.