Water conservation is no longer just an environmental concern; it is a necessity for survival, economic stability, and social well-being. Today, we bring you a story of impact from across India, highlighting how corporations, local communities, and sustainable initiatives are coming together to tackle water scarcity and build climate resilience. Among these efforts, Vedanta Ltd.’s initiatives stand out for their large-scale impact, from rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to community-driven conservation projects.
Read on to explore how these collaborations are shaping a water-secure future.
United for Water: How Communities and Corporations Are Securing India’s Water Future
Water scarcity is one of India’s most pressing challenges, impacting millions across rural and urban landscapes. As glaciers—Earth’s largest freshwater reservoirs—continue to melt due to climate change, the theme for World Water Day 2025, "Glacier Preservation," highlights the urgency of sustainable water conservation. With erratic monsoons, over-extraction of groundwater, and pollution exacerbating the crisis, securing clean and accessible water is no longer optional—it is essential for survival.
Across India, corporations and communities are taking bold steps to safeguard this precious resource. From rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan to irrigation solutions in Odisha and groundwater recharge projects in Chhattisgarh, collaborative interventions are ensuring water security, restoring ecosystems, and building climate resilience.
Reviving Water, Restoring Lives
In Rajasthan’s Barmer district, where groundwater depletion has long threatened livelihoods, the Jeevan Amrit Project has set up 124 RO plants, providing safe drinking water to thousands of families. The initiative, now managed by local water committees and the Public Health Engineering Department, ensures sustainability through community ownership.
Meanwhile, in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, the Jeevika Samridhhi Project has helped farmers adopt sustainable agriculture practices through solar-powered borewells. This has transformed 30 acres of farmland, boosting productivity by 45% and reducing costs by 20%.
At Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd. (TSPL), part of Vedanta Power, significant progress has been made in water conservation through its Water Positivity initiative. By implementing rainwater conservation measures both within and outside the plant, 4.2 million cubic meters of water were successfully credited in 2024. TSPL has also adopted the Sant Seechewal model for community pond restoration and supported farmers with bed plantation and direct seeding techniques, saving over 350,000 cubic meters of water annually in agriculture.
"Water conservation is not just about corporate responsibility; it is about enriching lives," says Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd., and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. "Vedanta’s water initiatives have significantly impacted rural communities, particularly in water-stressed regions. Through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge projects, and wastewater treatment plants, Vedanta is ensuring that local communities have access to clean and sustainable water sources."
Water as a Lifeline: Improving Health and Hygiene
Beyond agriculture, access to clean water is improving public health and sanitation. In Jajpur, Odisha, the Sathi Nirmal Paribesha initiative has provided clean drinking water to over 300 people through solar-powered water towers and RO purifiers. Additionally, new community toilets and waste management systems have significantly benefited women and children.
In Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where seawater intrusion threatens water quality, the Tamira Surabhi initiative ensures access to 3.4 million gallons of clean water annually for over 2,300 families. QR-coded cards enable fair distribution, ensuring transparency and equity.
From Scarcity to Sustainability: Agricultural and Livelihood Upliftment
In Udaipur, Rajasthan, the Samadhan initiative promotes sustainable dairy farming, biogas units, and rainwater harvesting. The project has generated ₹51.7 million in income, while 6.1 million liters of milk worth ₹184.8 million have been produced.
Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, the Mor Jal Mor Maati initiative has constructed 107 water structures, increasing storage capacity to over 1,06,000 cubic meters. This has enabled multi-cropping, enhanced agricultural productivity by 1.4 times, and boosted farmer incomes by 50%.
"In Rajasthan, where water scarcity is a persistent challenge, Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc has established extensive rainwater harvesting systems," adds Priya Agarwal Hebbar. "Revitalizing traditional water bodies has ensured year-round water availability, improving agricultural productivity and uplifting thousands of farmers."
Building Climate Resilience: Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge
In water-stressed regions, large-scale recharge projects are restoring natural reserves. At the Rampura Agucha Mine in Rajasthan, a groundwater recharge initiative with a capacity of 87 lakh cubic meters annually is replenishing aquifers and supporting local farmers.
Similarly, Barmer Unnati has constructed 114 rainwater harvesting structures, while an integrated watershed project in Lanjigarh, Odisha, is increasing community water storage by 34.5 lakh cubic meters.
At TSPL, a sharp focus on operational efficiency has led to an impressive reduction in water usage, with specific water consumption reaching just 1.7 cubic meters per MWh—significantly lower than the design target of 2.69 cubic meters per MWh. The plant has achieved this through enhanced water recycling processes, reaching 18.69% water reuse (till early FY2025), further reducing freshwater dependency.
Driving Water Positivity: Industry and Community Collaboration
Corporations are leading the way in water conservation, with companies like Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), Cairn Oil & Gas, and Sesa Goa achieving Net Water Positive certification.
"Hindustan Zinc follows a zero-discharge policy at all locations and has reduced freshwater consumption by 25% since 2020," says Priya Agarwal Hebbar. "Our 60 MLD sewage treatment plant in Udaipur repurposes treated water for industrial use, significantly cutting down on freshwater dependency."
Additionally, Cairn Oil & Gas is developing rainwater harvesting structures that will generate 2.5 million cubic meters of freshwater credits annually by 2025.
Expanding on these efforts, Vedanta Power’s Meenakshi Energy Ltd. is operating its unit entirely on saline water for plant operations, ensuring that no fresh water is used. This innovative approach reinforces Vedanta’s commitment to being net water positive while reducing freshwater stress in surrounding communities.
A Ripple Effect of Change
The impact of these interventions goes beyond water conservation—they enhance rural economies, improve public health, and empower women by reducing their water-fetching burden.
"As a global natural resources company, Vedanta acknowledges its responsibility towards sustainable water management," concludes Priya Agarwal Hebbar. "Our sites, including Hindustan Zinc Limited, Iron Ore Business, Cairn Oil & Gas, BMM, and FACOR mines, are certified as Net Water Positive. These milestones reflect our dedication to balancing industrial growth with ecological well-being."
On World Water Day 2025, the message is clear: when communities take ownership of water resources and corporations embrace sustainability, they create a ripple effect of change—securing India's water future while inspiring a global movement for sustainable water management.
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