One of India’s top FMCG firms, Marico Limited, has teamed up with the Ambuja Foundation to create a sustainable water conservation campaign in the drought-prone areas of Sanand and Viramgam in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad district as part of its flagship water stewardship programme, Jalashay. In order to enhance groundwater recharge and better irrigation for farming communities, this community-focused programme seeks to establish a water structure and revitalise the water bodies for a potential of 10 crore litres of water for irrigation and subsurface water recharge by FY2026.

Reviving existing water bodies, expanding access to irrigation to increase farmers’ income, and encouraging effective water management techniques in agriculture are the main objectives of the effort. The programme supports Marico’s core value of Responsible Growth by fostering community ownership and advancing water resilience measures, which eventually benefits the neighbourhood and advances sustainable farming methods. Additionally, the Ambuja Foundation will interact with local government representatives and community leaders to establish a rapport and present the idea.

The programme, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Ambuja Foundation, will improve water conservation and give more than 700 households in project villages access to government social security benefits. The initiative will guarantee community involvement and encourage sustainable water usage practices by implementing participatory methodologies.

This project builds on Marico’s prior accomplishments, which include the development of more than 444 crore litres of water potential by FY2025, and is a part of the company’s larger commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This sum includes 32 crore litres produced by the Jalashay initiative in the districts of Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Panchmahal, and Dahod in Gujarat. In order to evaluate water resources, usage trends, and livelihood requirements in villages, the Ambuja Foundation is carrying out surveys and rural evaluations. This information will be used to develop a three-year strategic action plan that will support and coordinate with government agencies and partner organisations, with an emphasis on livelihood improvement, balanced water management, and water conservation.

“At Marico, we are committed to addressing critical challenges like water scarcity that impact the livelihoods of rural communities,” stated Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer, Group General Counsel, and Secretary of the CSR Committee, Marico Limited, in reference to this relationship. Our commitment to making a long-lasting difference is demonstrated by our collaboration with the Ambuja Foundation on this sustainable water conservation initiative. In order to empower local farmers and support the socioeconomic development of these underprivileged areas, we plan to revitalise water bodies, encourage effective water management, and increase agricultural production. We think that group initiatives like these can lead to significant change and enhance the lives of people who are most in need.

Speaking on the foundation’s partnership-focused, community-driven program, “Our motto is to empower communities by putting local people at the centre of planning and execution and implementing an inclusive and sustainable approach,” stated Pearl Tiwari, CEO of the Ambuja Foundation. Our partnership with Marico Limited is centred on bringing about long-lasting, constructive change for individuals and their environments. Beyond encouraging water conservation and effective use, this programme highlights the vital significance of changing behaviour and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices. With a joint move towards a more sustainable future, our goal is to foster an independent community.

Through this collaboration, Marico Limited and Ambuja Foundation hope to address serious issues related to water scarcity, improve the lives of rural communities in Sanand and Viramgam, and advance sustainable water management techniques that will benefit the area for many years to come.