New Delhi, Mar 21: On the occasion of World Water Day, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, announced that its flagship Jal Jeevan water stewardship initiative has enabled the recharge of over 5 trillion litres of groundwater and strengthened irrigation systems across 117,620 hectares of farmland in India. The initiative has improved water security, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods across 16 states, benefiting millions of people in water-stressed regions.
Implemented in partnership with local communities, technical organisations, and Hinduja Group companies, the Jal Jeevan initiative adopts an integrated approach to water management – spanning watershed and springshed management, improved domestic water access through rainwater harvesting, water ATMs and restoration of water sources, revival of traditional water bodies, and promotion of climate-resilient agriculture. These interventions collectively enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen community resilience to climate variability.
Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, said: “Water security is closely linked to livelihood security in rural India. Through the Hinduja Group’s Jal Jeevan initiative, we are working with communities to build sustainable water infrastructure that improves domestic water access, supports agriculture, and strengthens resilience against climate uncertainty. Our focus is on community-driven solutions that ensure long-term, responsible, and efficient use of water resources.”
The Foundation’s work has reduced the burden of water scarcity, improved crop yields, enhanced livestock management, and significantly lowered the time women and families spend fetching water. It has also encouraged community-led maintenance of water assets ensuring sustainability long after implementation.
Jal Jeevan initiative – Impact at a glance
- 6 million lives 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 restored
A notable intervention under the initiative is at the 40-acre Holy Jhulelal Tirthdham campus in Kutch, Gujarat, where a network of freshwater reservoirs developed around the Shri Jhulelal Temple has helped restore ecosystems, strengthen resilience to rising sea levels, and support local biodiversity.
Key impact areas:
The Jal Jeevan programme has been implemented across some of India’s most water-stressed geographies. Key interventions include:
·Creation of ponds, check dams, recharge pits, and rainwater harvesting structures, replenishing over 5 trillion litres of groundwater
·Rejuvenation of 267 springs in rural Uttarakhand, enhancing long-term water security for Himalayan communities
·Improved agricultural and livestock water access, leading to higher productivity and increased household incomes
·Sanitation and hygiene initiatives, contributing to healthier communities
As climate-related water challenges intensify across India, the Hinduja Foundation is committed to expanding the Jal Jeevan initiative through partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and local institutions to develop scalable and sustainable water solutions.
