CSR initiative tackles water scarcity and supports rural development through sustainable irrigation efforts in Vidarbha region

Allcargo Group, the Indian-born global logistics company, has completed a major water conservation initiative in Sawangi Tehsil, Nagpur, aimed at addressing persistent water scarcity and boosting agricultural livelihoods in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The initiative was implemented under the company’s CSR arm, Avashya Foundation, and is part of its broader commitment to sustainable community development.

The Sawangi Canal Project was carried out in collaboration with Sadbhavana Gramin Vikas Sanstha and Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha. The project involved widening and deepening a 4.11 km ridge-to-valley canal stretch, following the Tamaswada model of water conservation. These efforts focused on desilting and restoring the canal to improve surface water storage, enhance groundwater levels, and reduce soil erosion.

As a result of the initiative, the canal now has a surface water storage capacity of 100,000 cubic meters and contributes an estimated 225,000 cubic meters to groundwater annually. The project has directly enriched 400 hectares of farmland and improved access to water for over 200 families. In total, it is expected to benefit over 1,200 farmers directly, while also positively impacting more than 3,000 individuals indirectly through increased agricultural productivity and livestock support.

Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Allcargo Group, noted that sustainable access to water is critical for the development of rural communities. He emphasized that water availability contributes not only to agriculture but also to local economies, small industries, and ecosystem restoration. The project also builds resilience against the effects of climate change and supports long-term rural sustainability.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating that such efforts are vital for addressing agrarian challenges in the Vidarbha region. He highlighted the project’s potential to support farmers and prevent distress in rural communities.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), Allcargo Group continues to invest in initiatives that combine environmental stewardship with community empowerment. The company has also announced its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 as part of its long-term sustainability roadmap.