Ambuja Cement Foundation Bags Top Prize at FICCI Water Awards 2013

INDIACSR News Network

NEW DELHI: Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF), the social development arm of Ambuja Cements Limited bagged the first prize in the ‘Community Initiatives by Industry’ category at the FICCI Water Awards 2013.

Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia presented the award to ACF Head & Jt President (CSR) ACL, Pearl Tiwari at a grand felicitation held at the Federation House, New Delhi.

ACF is being recognized for its endeavor and visionary approach in the area of water resource management and efficiency. Expressing pride at ACF winning this award, ACL CEO & Dy MD Ajay Kapur said, “Over the past two decades, ACF has been working consistently in keeping with the sustainable point of view that is line with the Company Vision. We are being acknowledged for the hard work and we accept this recognition both with pride and humility. Our endeavors have borne fruit, thanks to the active participation of the many stakeholders including the communities with whom we work with closely.”

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Accepting the award, Ms Tiwari reiterated that the moment of immense pride and gratification for the entire team at ACF, to be recognized with this prestigious award. “This accomplishment could have not been possible without the collaborative efforts of state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, banks and other institutions and bodies who have partnered with us and added significant value to our projects,” said Ms Tiwari.

“This milestone reiterates ACF’s long-standing commitment towards enhancement of water resources implemented towards development of communities. We remain committed to our stated objective of empowering rural communities facing issues of water shortage,” added Ms Tiwari.

ACF has adopted water resource management as one of its key focus areas, to create an impact on the environment, groundwater resources, agriculture and allied livelihood activities. These programmes lay emphasis on sustainability through community action, and involves water harvesting, conservation and bringing about an attitudinal change among communities. ACF also collaborates with various stakeholders to implement various state specific water conservation programmes.

Over the years, ACF’s work in the area of water resource management has been recognized. Only last year, several prestigious awards were conferred — and CII Award for Excellent Water Management Initiative – Beyond the Fence & Within the Fence as well as the CII Sustainability Awards 2012 from President Pranab Mukherjee.

FICCI Water Awards
Organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Water Awards is an annual platform that rewards industry stakeholders, who demonstrate dedication towards sustainable water management practices. The awards recognize the distinguished efforts made by them in the areas of water efficiency, management and conservation.

Ambuja Cement Foundation
Established in 1993, ACF is the social development arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd working exclusively with rural communities on issues related to water conservation and management, sustainable agriculture, health and sanitation, support for school education, awareness on prevention on HIV and AIDS, promotion of SHGs for socio-economic development of women and capacity building of local youth and farmers. ACF undertakes projects and schemes for promoting social and economic development for communities around the manufacturing locations of Ambuja Cement Ltd.