Godrej & Boyce provides over 100 million litres of water to rural communities through multiple water conservation initiatives

Mumbai, September 26, 2023. Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, maintains its dedication to water conservation, making significant contributions to rural communities across India. It is committed to ensuring environmental sustainability by implementing scalable water conservation programs in collaboration with local communities. These initiatives have collectively supplied over 100 million litres of water to rural areas in Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. Godrej & Boyce collaborates closely with local communities to ensure project ownership and long-term sustainability.

Recently, the company partnered with environmental activist Arun Krishnamurthy and his NGO, Environmentalist Foundation of India, to restore the Thirumullaivoyal and Kosapur pond in Chennai. In Mohali, Punjab, Godrej & Boyce worked alongside the Sehgal Foundation, the local community, and the village panchayat to rejuvenate a community pond, providing 1.67 million litres of usable water. This water resource benefits 10 families residing nearby, while 140 additional families enjoy an improved environment and managed wastewater disposal. The natural ponds rejuvenated at Chennai and Mohali have a cumulative capacity of nearly 79 million litres of water.

Ashwini Deodeshmukh, Head of CSR at Godrej & Boyce, commented, “In line with our commitment to sustainability and social transformation, we have focused on strengthening the water security of underserved regions. Our projects are a testament to how local action can contribute to the overall well-being of marginalised people and communities. The ponds that we have rejuvenated not only improve access to clean water for communities but also protects them against future calamities. For instance, one of the major features of the ponds restored at Chunni Kalan and Kosapur is inclusion of groundwater recharging wells which are significant in restoring the groundwater levels. Therefore, rejuvenating ponds, creating water storage and filtration facilities and treating wastewater does more than enable access – it creates a healthier environment, supports biodiversity, and instils a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community”. 

The company's efforts extend to the construction of check-dams in Khalapur, Maharashtra, which play a vital role in soil erosion control, enhanced water supply, and watershed restoration for irrigation.Furthermore, Godrej & Boyce established wastewater treatment plants in Shirwal, capable of treating up to 1 lakh kilolitres of water daily. Wastewater treatment not only safeguards natural water sources but also supports socio-economic development, improves health outcomes, promotes women's participation in economic activities, and enhances the quality of life in underserved communities.