MUMBAI (India CSR): On the occasion of World Water Day, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, today announced it has positively impacted 5 million (50 lakh) people across 4,000+ villages in 18 states and Union Territories, a significant milestone under its flagship Jal Jeevan initiative.
Declining Water Availability in India
According to the 2025 report by the Observer Research Foundation (reference), the nation faces a decline in per capita water availability, projected to decrease from 1,486 cubic meters in 2021 to 1,367 cubic meters by 2031. Large-scale interventions are crucial to ensuring sustainable water access. In response, the foundation has implemented diverse initiatives to tackle this pressing challenge.
Water Stewardship Initiatives
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 4 million (40 lakh) acres of agricultural land.
Key Achievements in Water Conservation
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 litres of safe drinking water. Additionally, 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been established, making a tangible difference in water-stressed communities.
Commitment to Water Security
“Water security is one of India’s most pressing challenges, with demand projected to double by 2030,’’ said Paul Abraham, President, Hinduja Foundation. Commenting on the milestone, Mr Abraham added, “At Hinduja Foundation, we champion community-driven, sustainable solutions that build long-term resilience. Jal Jeevan is more than just a water initiative—it empowers communities to thrive. Water Stewardship is 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.”
Women Empowerment Through Water Access
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 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.
Notable Water 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.
Recognition and Global Collaborations
The Hinduja Foundation’s spring restoration project has been recognized 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.
Future Commitments and Expansion
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.
States Covered Under Jal Jeevan
Hinduja Foundation’s 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.
To illustrate the scale of the Hinduja Group Jal Jeevan program’s achievements since 2018:
- Recharged enough groundwater to fill 507 million water tankers
- Dispensed safe drinking water to the tune of 51 million jerry cans of 20 litres each
- Revived land for agriculture equivalent to 2,36,000 football fields
- Increased water holding capacity equal to 52466 Olympic-sized swimming pools
(India CSR)
