Mumbai, March 22, 2024: Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), the social arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram-Clayton Limited, has over the last seven years, invested over Rs 22 crores in water conservation efforts across villages of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra undertaking 369 desilting projects.
Water scarcity remains a pressing challenge, particularly in rural areas, threatening agricultural livelihoods and community well-being. In response, SST has forged collaborative efforts with local communities and district administrations, spearheading a range of impactful projects aimed at restoring water ecosystems and ensuring sustainable access to this precious resource. Government-approved community participation has fostered sustainable partnerships in SST's watershed projects.
Sharing his views, Swaran Singh IAS (R), Chairman, Srinivasan Services Trust, “SST will continue to work on water conservation using scientific methods to identify locations and implement programs that will help in the sustainable management of water resources. Through community participation and sustainable models, SST ensures the longevity and impact of its initiatives, empowering communities to thrive while safeguarding water resources for future generations.”
With a total investment exceeding Rs 22 crores, 369 desilting projects (238 tanks and 131 irrigation channels) have been completed, leading to an additional water storage capacity of over 150 crore litres (53+ million cubic feet). These efforts not only restore original tank capacity but also enhance groundwater levels, prevent flooding, and boost agricultural productivity, significantly improving the socio-economic status of rural communities. Additionally, SST has also desilted 7 ponds in Krishnagiri forests with government support, providing more water for wildlife, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving nature's balance.
In collaboration with NABARD, efforts in the Javadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai & Tirupathur districts, as well as in Thally in Krishnagiri district, have led to the implementation of over 145 water projects, significantly improving water retention and agricultural resilience.
Anna University's Centre for Water Resources conducted a comprehensive impact assessment of desilting initiatives, revealing tangible benefits for agriculture in Tirunelveli, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai districts.
Apart from conservation endeavors, SST focuses on meeting the urgent requirement for safe drinking water in tribal and economically disadvantaged communities. In Venkatagiri, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, SST implemented water purification systems that cater to more than 1600 people, with an investment of Rs 35 lakhs. This initiative not only ensures access to clean water but also addresses health issues arising from poor water quality, reducing the burden of long journeys to fetch water.
As World Water Day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need for collective action, Srinivasan Services Trust remains committed to its mission of transforming lives through sustainable water management practices, paving the way for a more resilient and water-secure future, SST officials said.
Today, SST works in 2,500 villages in the country with 2,000 villages in Tamil Nadu. It follows a holistic and participatory approach of village development, working very closely with the community and the government.
SST’s focus is to bring about sustainable development in villages through Total Community Involvement. Society building through development of women and children, conservation of water, providing holistic health and education infrastructure by renovating the government infrastructure and preserving the environment are its main focus areas. SST works towards economic development of the community by helping them to set up microenterprises and supporting them to improve agriculture and livestock income. SST nudge communities to embrace practises towards better quality of life by ensuring a participatory approach right from planning to execution of activities.
