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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Ajay Hinduja reflects on the restoration of ‘the people's lake,' Dharma Cheruvu
Live Events Spotlight Wire (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In the bustling village of Nunna near Vijayawada, a quiet but powerful transformation has occurred — not through policy or protest, but through purposeful action led by the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the globally renowned Hinduja family. After being overtaken by urban garbage and neglect, the once polluted and deteriorating body of water has been revitalised into a flourishing lake that serves 18,000 people as a communal asset and essential restoration of Dharma Cheruvu, a 5.5-acre lake, marks a critical step towards sustainable urban living and environmental accountability in Andhra Pradesh. Spearheaded under the Jal Jeevan initiative, the lake's revival wasn't just an ecological cleanup but a community reawakening."This was never just about water. This was about people — the families who live here, their health, their environment, and their future," said Ajay Hinduja, a key member of the UK's richest Hinduja family, underscoring the human dimension of the restoration was carried out in collaboration with the Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I.), employing scientific, community-driven techniques. Over 120 tonnes of garbage and 14 tonnes of invasive weeds were removed. The lakebed was desilted, 130 metres of embankments were restored, and a protective fence was installed to secure the area from further encroachment or the physical work, the team planted native trees to encourage biodiversity and improve the microclimate around the lake— a critical step in enhancing groundwater recharge and air quality. What was once a decaying water body now functions as an ecological anchor for the Hinduja elaborated on the foundation's long-term outlook and commented, "The Hinduja Foundation's approach has always been to build lasting impact. Restoring a lake is not about short-term fixes. It's about creating a shared resource that empowers communities for generations."For the people of Nunna, the change has been deep. Dharma Cheruvu is no longer a health risk or an abandoned spot of swampy ground. It is a source of revived pride, a public common, and a revitalized ecosystem. Families gather in the evenings, children play on the banks, and elderly people find solace in the most notably, the lake has become an icon of ecological responsibility. With awareness drives and community outreach, the Hinduja Foundation ensured that the community was both a beneficiary and an active stakeholder in the Hinduja family tradition of philanthropy, based on principles of duty, sustainability, and service, is seen carefully and comprehensively reflected in the manner in which this project was executed. Dharma Cheruvu is one of 84 lakes across India that the foundation has helped revive, and it serves as a template for environmentally conscious development that uplifts people as much as it heals citizen Ajay Hinduja believes in this community-first mindset and says"For us, it's not just about reviving a lake, it's about reviving the people's relationship with nature. That's when real change begins."In a world where environmental degradation often feels irreversible, stories like Dharma Cheruvu offer a glimmer of possibility—with commitment,collaboration, and care, it's possible to restore the balance between people and the newly restored Dharma Cheruvu is now not just a lake but a living, breathing testament to what happens when philanthropy meets purpose."The People's Lake is now truly that — a lake for the people, by the people, and protected with purpose," Ajay Hinduja aptly puts it.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Empowering Women, Reviving Springs: The Hinduja Family's Initiative in the Himalayas
A silent revolution occurs on the Himalayan slopes, where water is as rare as it is vital. In the far-flung mountain villages of Uttarakhand, women have become mighty water warriors, reviving springs, collecting rain, and protecting their villages from a mounting water crisis. At the centre of this revolution is the Hinduja Foundation (philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Family), whose long-term commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental resilience gives life to the hills. In these high-altitude villages, the responsibility of managing water resources has traditionally fallen on women. They walk miles to fetch water, tend to household needs, and care for crops. But over the years, dwindling spring flows and erratic rainfall—exacerbated by climate change—have pushed many communities to the brink. In response, the Hinduja Foundation, in collaboration with Ashok Leyland and NGO partner CHIRAG, has initiated a spring-shed management program that is both holistic and inclusive. What distinguishes this effort is its women-led leadership model. Women are not mere aid recipients; they are decision-makers, technicians, and guardians of water conservation. They head village water committees, manage plantation drives, and track spring rejuvenation efforts. Under their leadership, 140 mountain springs have been rejuvenated, 210 rainwater harvesting systems have been put in place, and 100,000 trees have been planted—with a whopping 92% survival rate. Consider Satkhol village, where the once-dry spring now perpetually flows after trenching, check dams, and planting by villagers. The villagers proudly note that improved access to water increased farming yields, limited migration, and boosted children's attendance, particularly among school girls who no longer miss classes waiting hours for a potable watering place. In 76 villages, the Hinduja Foundation has assisted in creating and consolidating local institutions that govern resources sustainably. The village committees are saving water and enhancing community confidence and resilience in future climatic uncertainty. 'When women lead, transformation follows,' says Ajay Hinduja, a prominent member of the UK's Billionaire Hinduja Family. 'Their stewardship of water in the Himalayas is not only combating crisis—it's building resilience for generations.' The initiative combines conventional wisdom with science-based instruments. Geological mapping, water budgeting, and monthly flow monitoring have become standard practice. Para-hydrogeologists from the local area are trained as young professionals, establishing a body of environmental stewards within the community. Being locally rooted ensures sustainability and community acceptance, enabling the program to be scaled and replicated. The Foundation's initiatives in these areas also address a broader issue: the conservation of fast-vanishing Himalayan glaciers. Protecting springs and forests is vital in maintaining groundwater recharge and microclimatic balance, essential for glacier-fed river systems that nourish millions downstream. 'World Water Day 2025 reminds us of that glacier preservation and grassroots innovation go hand-in-hand,' adds Swiss-based Ajay Hinduja. 'Every revived spring and every harvested drop counts. The Hinduja Foundation's efforts in Uttarakhand are a compelling example of how corporate social responsibility can drive profound, systemic change paired with community-centric models. While many CSR projects focus on short-term relief, the Hinduja Family's vision—rooted in legacy, sustainability, and service—is long-term and impact-driven. The involvement of Ashok Leyland as implementation partner has given the project a strong commercial backing and continuity of technical support. The project connects environmental responsibility with uplifting communities and reflects a shared value initiative benefitting the community and the environment. "This initiative is proof that sustainability isn't a slogan—it's a shared responsibility,' notes Ajay Hinduja. 'We're proud to support communities rewriting their water future.' As global warming gathers momentum, the tale being rewritten in the Himalayas is one of optimism. It demonstrates that if women are empowered, ancient knowledge is honored, and philanthropic trust funds like the Hinduja Foundation intervene with passion and vision, transformation is not merely feasible—it is inevitable. This story of these Himalayan water warriors is one that lies at the core of the Hinduja Family values and resilience. It is a real reminder of the ability of local action to establish the global future. Their stories go beyond saving springs; they are about reclaiming dignity, safeguarding ecosystems, and daring the world to re-imagine our relationship with water. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by [the sponsor NAME]. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Business Standard
08-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Climate Resilience: Ajay Hinduja on Hinduja Foundation's Jal Jeevan Model
In a world grappling with climate change and depleting water resources, sustainable water management is no longer a choice — it is an imperative. One of the most impactful responses to this challenge in India has come from the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Family. With a commitment to water stewardship and rural transformation, the Foundation's flagship initiative, Jal Jeevan, stands out as a scalable and climate-resilient model for nationwide water security. Launched in 2018, the Jal Jeevan program is based on community ownership, traditional water wisdom, and modern engineering. The program has delivered a tangible and measurable impact across 19 states and union territories, covering over 4,000 villages and benefiting 5 million people. Its multipronged approach — which includes restoring lakes and wells, recharging groundwater, implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting, and installing clean drinking water systems — has been instrumental in building long-term water resilience in some of India's most vulnerable regions. "We believe water is the Foundation of all development — health, education, livelihood, and dignity. Jal Jeevan is our commitment to restoring the water balance in India with solutions that scale and endure," says Ajay Hinduja, a member of the UK's richest Hinduja Family, and active supporter of the Foundation's sustainability efforts. An Integrated Approach to Water Security The Jal Jeevan model is unique in its systems-level approach to water management. Instead of tackling water scarcity in isolation, it considers local hydrology, community needs, environmental factors, and social equity. Under the initiative, the Foundation has: Over 100 lakes and 20,000 open wells were restored, many centuries old. Recharged 5 trillion litres of groundwater by constructing soak pits, check dams, and other structures. Delivered over 1.2 billion litres of safe drinking water by deploying 200+ RO machines, gravity filters, and rainwater harvesting tanks. These interventions are not just technical fixes — they are designed to empower local communities, particularly rural women, who often bear the brunt of water-related hardship. Women and children now use the time saved from walking miles for water for education, economic activity, and self-development. Climate Resilience in Action India experiences extreme weather events, from floods in the northeast to prolonged droughts in the Deccan Plateau. The Jal Jeevan program actively addresses these risks by creating climate buffers through rejuvenated water bodies, reforestation around watersheds, and improved soil-water retention in farmlands. This has led to: Increased crop yields and reduced dependency on unpredictable rainfall. Improved groundwater levels in many districts. Rejuvenated biodiversity, with the return of native plant and animal species around restored lakes. "Our goal is not just water access but climate resilience. Every lake we revive and every well we restore is a step toward helping communities thrive despite the uncertainty of changing weather patterns," explains Switzerland-based Ajay Hinduja. Community-Centric and Scalable Participation from the community is a key component of Jal Jeevan's success. Every step of the process involves training and involving the local villagers, from identifying water-stressed zones to monitoring the quality of drinking water. This lessens dependency on outside organizations and guarantees sustainability. To increase its influence, the Foundation has also collaborated with regional panchayats, NGOs, government agencies, and self-help groups. By investing in capacity building, data monitoring, and transparent governance, the Hinduja Foundation has created a model that can be replicated and scaled across diverse geographies.' "We are not just doing charity; we are building capacity. The Jal Jeevan model shows that when people own the solution, it sustains itself. That's the future of water security in India," affirms Ajay Hinduja. The Way Forward The Hinduja Foundation is expanding the Jal Jeevan initiative into new territories and aims to double the number of beneficiaries in the next five years. It also invests in digital water mapping, real-time monitoring, and green infrastructure to make interventions more intelligent and adaptive. The program is increasingly being seen as a blueprint for public-private partnerships in water stewardship, with interest from state governments and international development agencies. At its core, Jal Jeevan reflects the Hinduja Family's deep-rooted philosophy of combining business leadership with social impact. It's a living example of what can be achieved when compassion meets commitment and heritage meets innovation.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Stories of Resilience: How Himalayan Communities are Tackling Water Scarcity
A silent revolution occurs on the Himalayan slopes, where water is as rare as it is vital. In the far-flung mountain villages of Uttarakhand, women have become mighty water warriors, reviving springs, collecting rain, and protecting their villages from a mounting water crisis. At the centre of this revolution is the Hinduja Foundation (philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Family), whose long-term commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental resilience gives life to the hills. Ajay Hinduja, member of the Hinduja Group promoter family In these high-altitude villages, the responsibility of managing water resources has traditionally fallen on women. They walk miles to fetch water, tend to household needs, and care for crops. But over the years, dwindling spring flows and erratic rainfall—exacerbated by climate change—have pushed many communities to the brink. In response, the Hinduja Foundation, in collaboration with Ashok Leyland and NGO partner CHIRAG, has initiated a spring-shed management program that is both holistic and inclusive. What distinguishes this effort is its women-led leadership model. Women are not mere aid recipients; they are decision-makers, technicians, and guardians of water conservation. They head village water committees, manage plantation drives, and track spring rejuvenation efforts. Under their leadership, 140 mountain springs have been rejuvenated, 210 rainwater harvesting systems have been put in place, and 100,000 trees have been planted—with a whopping 92% survival rate. Village by Village, Change Flows Village by Village, Change Flows Consider Satkhol village, where the once-dry spring now perpetually flows after trenching, check dams, and planting by villagers. The villagers proudly note that improved access to water increased farming yields, limited migration, and boosted children's attendance, particularly among school girls who no longer miss classes waiting hours for a potable watering place. In 76 villages, the Hinduja Foundation has assisted in creating and consolidating local institutions that govern resources sustainably. The village committees are saving water and enhancing community confidence and resilience in future climatic uncertainty. 'When women lead, transformation follows,' says Ajay Hinduja, a prominent member of the UK's Billionaire Hinduja Family. 'Their stewardship of water in the Himalayas is not only combating crisis—it's building resilience for generations.' Science Meets Tradition The initiative combines conventional wisdom with science-based instruments. Geological mapping, water budgeting, and monthly flow monitoring have become standard practice. Para-hydrogeologists from the local area are trained as young professionals, establishing a body of environmental stewards within the community. Being locally rooted ensures sustainability and community acceptance, enabling the program to be scaled and replicated. The Foundation's initiatives in these areas also address a broader issue: the conservation of fast-vanishing Himalayan glaciers. Protecting springs and forests is vital in maintaining groundwater recharge and microclimatic balance, essential for glacier-fed river systems that nourish millions downstream. 'World Water Day 2025 reminds us of that glacier preservation and grassroots innovation go hand-in-hand,' adds Swiss-based Ajay Hinduja. 'Every revived spring and every harvested drop counts. Corporate Social Responsibility with Depth The Hinduja Foundation's efforts in Uttarakhand are a compelling example of how corporate social responsibility can drive profound, systemic change paired with community-centric models. While many CSR projects focus on short-term relief, the Hinduja Family's vision—rooted in legacy, sustainability, and service—is long-term and impact-driven. The involvement of Ashok Leyland as implementation partner has given the project a strong commercial backing and continuity of technical support. The project connects environmental responsibility with uplifting communities and reflects a shared value initiative benefitting the community and the environment. "This initiative is proof that sustainability isn't a slogan—it's a shared responsibility,' notes Ajay Hinduja. 'We're proud to support communities rewriting their water future.' A Model for Mountain Sustainability As global warming gathers momentum, the tale being rewritten in the Himalayas is one of optimism. It demonstrates that if women are empowered, ancient knowledge is honored, and philanthropic trust funds like the Hinduja Foundation intervene with passion and vision, transformation is not merely feasible—it is inevitable. This story of these Himalayan water warriors is one that lies at the core of the Hinduja Family values and resilience. It is a real reminder of the ability of local action to establish the global future. Their stories go beyond saving springs; they are about reclaiming dignity, safeguarding ecosystems, and daring the world to re-imagine our relationship with water. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by [the sponsor NAME]. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
