New Delhi, October 31, 2025: A new Social Return on Investment (SROI) study conducted by CRISIL has confirmed that Ambuja Foundation’s rural development initiatives in Chhattisgarh have delivered 10 times the social value for every rupee invested. The study assessed Ambuja Foundation’s Water Resource Management (WRM) and Rural Infrastructure Development (RID) programs in Baloda Bazar, covering the period 2022–23 and 2023–24.
According to the findings, every ₹1 invested generated ₹10.12 in social value, demonstrating the significant socio-economic benefits of Ambuja Foundation’s community-led initiatives. The programs, supported by Ambuja Cements Ltd. / Adani Cement, have improved water security, agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities across 10 villages. The survey included 252 respondents, primarily from marginalized and low-income households.
Key highlights of the CRISIL assessment include the creation of 220,033 cubic metres of additional water storage, a 37% reduction in household water scarcity, and a rise in daily water consumption from 193 litres to 258 litres per household. The study also reported a drastic reduction in daily water-fetching time—from 55 minutes to 12 minutes—and a marked increase in irrigation coverage, with canal irrigation expanding from 16% to 64% and sprinkler irrigation from 6% to 22%.
Agricultural outcomes have strengthened considerably: irrigated landholding increased from 2.70 to 3.34 acres, single-cropping fell by 22%, and double-cropping rose by 18%. Improved connectivity through the construction of concrete roads benefitted 96% of respondents, while enhanced school infrastructure boosted student attendance by at least two days per month.
Health outcomes also improved significantly, with 60% of respondents reporting better well-being due to fewer waterborne diseases, leading to an average ₹1,180 reduction in medical expenses. Social inclusion was strengthened through renovated community halls, Rangmanchs, and an upgraded District Divyang Centre, improving access to physiotherapy, speech therapy, and education for people with disabilities.
Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation, said: “Water is the foundation of rural resilience in the face of climate change. The findings of this CRISIL study clearly demonstrate how community-led water and infrastructure interventions can transform lives—reducing drudgery, improving farm productivity, strengthening health and education, and enhancing overall quality of life. These results validate our community-driven approach and reaffirm our commitment to building long-term, sustainable solutions for water security and rural development.”
Building on these achievements, Ambuja Foundation plans to further strengthen community ownership of water infrastructure through water user groups, expand rainwater harvesting systems, and promote less water-intensive crops alongside sustainable agricultural practices.
Through nearly three decades of work across rural India, Ambuja Foundation continues to focus on integrated rural development, advancing sustainable livelihoods through investments in water, agriculture, skills, women’s empowerment, health, and education, reaffirming its mission to build prosperous, climate-resilient rural communities across India.
.jpg)
