• Over 6.07 billion litres of water storage capacity created
• 1,000 Sujal Sahelis (trained women volunteers) lead grassroots movement
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Hinduja Foundation (HF), the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, in partnership with the Ambuja Foundation, announced an impactful transformation of over 2.74 lakh lives across 173 villages in 5 districts of Rajasthan through HF’s flagship Water CSR programme, Jal Jeevan.
The Sustainable Water Management Project in Rajasthan has tackled severe water scarcity by combining traditional water wisdom with modern techniques, culminating in the creation of over 6.07 billion litres of additional water storage capacity and empowered over 1,000 Sujal Sahelis (trained women volunteers) leading awareness drives on water conservation, hygiene, and education in regions such as Alwar, Ajmer, Karauli, and Phalodi in Rajasthan.
These Sujal Sahelis have evolved into a powerful collective, forming the Sujal Mahila Mahasangh (SMMS), a women-led movement advancing water stewardship and gender empowerment in rural Rajasthan. It comprises over 450 active members working through local Sujal Saheli groups to promote rainwater harvesting and water hygiene. By 2026, the Mahasangh aims to empower 2,000 women as leaders in water governance and agents of sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, Namrata Hinduja, Member, Steering Committee of the Hinduja Foundation, ”Water is more than a resource, it's the lifeline of communities and ecosystems. This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to resilient, inclusive water stewardship. Our 'Sujal Sahelis' have been key in this transformation, helping to replenish groundwater and restore dignity and hope”.
Paul Abraham, President, Hinduja Foundation, said, “This initiative proves that grassroots leadership and innovative water management can create lasting change. Our Sujal Sahelis are true changemakers, driving sustainable impact from within.”
Pearl Tiwari, CEO, Ambuja Foundation, said, “We deeply value the Hinduja Foundation’s steadfast support in scaling sustainable impact. This partnership showcases the power of collaboration in achieving long-term water security and community transformation.”
Spanning over 7 years, the integrated water conservation initiative reaffirms the Foundations’ commitment to environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and grassroots water stewardship.
Water Stewardship is Hinduja Foundation’s champion cause. Under Jal Jeevan, the Foundation has significantly impacted over 50 lakh people across 4,000+ villages in 18 states, including Rajasthan and Union Territories across India. The Foundation’s Water Stewardship initiatives, recognised by all Hinduja Group companies, have led to the restoration of a staggering 5 trillion litres of water covering nearly 40 lakh acres of agricultural land. The Foundation has also revived numerous lakes and open wells, constructed check-dams, and installed rooftop harvesting systems under the Jal Jeevan initiative.
Key Achievements of the Sustainable Water Management Project in Rajasthan:
· 2,116 rainwater harvesting and recharge structures implemented
· 90 village ponds deepened
· 65 farm ponds and 218 farm tanks constructed
· 68 borewell and tubewell recharge structures and 13 check dams developed
· 423 hectares brought under micro-irrigation
· 45,000 meters of water pipeline laid to enhance accessibility
· 1,525 saplings planted to promote ecological restoration
The initiative has been backed by multiple entities within the Hinduja Group, including Ashok Leyland Limited, Hinduja Leyland Finance, Hinduja Housing Finance, IndusInd Bank, Hinduja Global Solutions, and Hinduja Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. Their collective commitment has enabled the program’s scale, innovation, and deep community impact.