The 24-month project in Rewari aims to improve water security, restore local ecosystems and benefit nearly 22,000 people through pond rejuvenation and plantation drives.

In a major step towards water conservation and environmental restoration, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Nokia India have joined hands to rejuvenate 10 ponds in Haryana’s Rewari district. The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at TERI Gram, Gwal Pahari, with the aim of improving water availability for local communities and agriculture.

The 24-month initiative, supported by Nokia India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, will focus on restoring village ponds, increasing green cover and encouraging community participation in environmental conservation. The project comes at a time when Haryana continues to face water stress despite being one of India’s leading agricultural and industrial states.

The MoU was signed by Dr Dipankar Saharia, Executive Director of TERI, and Ms Vibha Mehra, Country Manager, Nokia India, in the presence of representatives from both organisations.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr Dipankar Saharia said, “TERI and Nokia are united in their vision to deliver sustainable, scientific solutions that address pressing climate challenges and strengthen community resilience.”

He added that the project would help secure important water resources for households and farmers while improving green cover, protecting livelihoods and strengthening community participation.

Ms Vibha Mehra said Nokia believes that lasting change begins with empowering communities and supporting sustainable development at the grassroots level. She highlighted that the partnership would help restore local ecosystems, strengthen water security and create community assets for future generations.

Under the project, around 1,20,000 cubic metres of water will be conserved, with water storage capacity enhanced to 120 million litres. The initiative will also include planting 200 native species, installing 100 streetlights and developing recreational spaces with benches and dustbins around the ponds.

The project is expected to directly benefit around 22,000 people, with nearly 50,000 others benefiting indirectly through improved water conservation, groundwater recharge and ecological restoration.

Through this collaboration, TERI and Nokia India aim to demonstrate how corporate partnerships and community-led action can contribute to long-term water security and sustainable development in Haryana.