Uttar Pradesh, March 12, 2026 : UltraTech Cement Limited has implemented community water conservation initiatives in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, helping improve irrigation access and crop productivity for local farmers. Through its CSR efforts, the company has constructed check dams in Jhaprahwa and Billi Markundi villages, benefiting farmers and strengthening groundwater recharge in the region.
A 16-metre-long drum check dam built by Dalla Cement Works, an integrated manufacturing unit of UltraTech Cement, in Jhaprahwa village has benefited nearly 200 farmers by improving water availability for irrigation. The structure enables the conservation of approximately 15–20 lakh litres of water annually, helping support groundwater recharge and improving moisture retention in surrounding agricultural land.
The project was initiated in May 2025 as part of UltraTech’s broader efforts to address water scarcity and soil erosion in the region, challenges often intensified by erratic rainfall and the absence of effective water-retention systems. Working in coordination with local authorities and community members, the CSR team completed the construction within 28 days, ahead of the monsoon season.
Earlier, in 2024, UltraTech had constructed a 12-metre-long check dam in Billi Markundi village, which now helps conserve 11–12 lakh litres of water annually and has created irrigation potential for more than 30 acres of farmland.
Together, the two check dams have enabled farmers in both villages to shift toward double cropping, supported by improved groundwater levels and better soil moisture. Farmers have also begun exploring crop diversification aligned with changing market demands.
The structures have been designed to suit local terrain and seasonal water flows. By retaining rainwater and reducing surface runoff, the check dams improve groundwater recharge, moderate local climatic conditions and support vegetation and biodiversity.
In addition to agriculture, the structures benefit local communities by improving access to water. More than 18,000 villagers across the two villages now have access to fresh water for several months beyond the monsoon period, reducing dependence on external water sources and supporting household and livestock needs.
UltraTech’s water management initiatives extend both within its operations and in surrounding communities. The company undertakes these initiatives under the aegis of The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Mrs. Rajashree Birla.
Across India, seven of UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing units implement community watershed projects, adopting a holistic approach to water conservation and rural livelihood sustainability. These initiatives consider local rainfall patterns to maximise rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
In FY25, UltraTech achieved over 120 million cubic metres of water conservation through interventions across its operations and community projects. The company reported a 4.9 times water positive status during the year. Additionally, rainwater harvesting structures with a cumulative capacity of 16.2 million cubic metres have been created through community initiatives, while more than 80 million cubic metres of water was harvested across its plants and mines.
UltraTech’s CSR programmes focus on education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, community infrastructure and social causes, reaching more than 1.8 million beneficiaries across over 500 villages in 16 states across India.
x
