Till date over 200,000 cubic meters of water have been recycled and reused through such interventions helping us reduce our freshwater consumption for manufacturing by STL (Sterlite Technologies Limited).
Through its CSR programs, it has replenished over 785,000 cubic meters of water in communities which has benefitted many lives, informed Akanksha Sharma, Head CSR and Sustainability, STL.
“By 2030, India’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply. This not only implies severe water scarcity for millions of people, but also an eventual 6% loss in the country’s GDP. Equal access to clean drinking water and efficient water management will hence define India’s ability to achieve high economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability. However, we continue to see rising demand for the world’s water resources to meet domestic, industrial and agricultural needs which has been adding to the existing water crisis.”, she added.
It therefore becomes essential to address this issue of water scarcity by addressing the root cause, not just in communities and through manufacturing, but also at an individual level. Collaboration between the public-private players is needed to build water resilient communities ensuring access to water is not a luxury.
Simultaneously, businesses need to invest in tech and innovation to drive responsible use and where possible recycle and reuse this precious resource to decrease fresh water usage and build in consciousness among employees.
“At STL, we are committed to water stewardship. Our recent partnership with World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group, proactively identifies innovative and tech-driven solutions to conserve water resources and promote water security through sustained behavioural change, groundwater replenishment and livelihood enhancement. We have also been investing in various technologies that help us reduce, reuse and recycle waste water in our operations as well as create awareness.”, she said.
STL aims to address the water crisis by exploring innovative approaches that promote circular use of this scarce natural resource by appropriately treating wastewater for groundwater recharge, conserving water, enabling access to clean and safe drinking water, applying treated water for afforestation and agriculture as well as sensitizing stakeholders in communities and within STL through engagement programs that aim to bring in responsible use, she informed.
