A first-of-its-kind initiative in the Yamuna watershed aims to revive groundwater, empower communities, and meet Amazon’s 2027 water-positive goal

Amazon has announced a water replenishment initiative in the Yamuna River watershed near New Delhi, targeting the revival of groundwater resources and improved water security in the capital. The project, once complete, is expected to return more than 400 million litres of water annually to local ecosystems and communities.

This marks Amazon’s first-ever water replenishment project in New Delhi and forms part of its broader goal to become water-positive in India by 2027 – returning more water than it consumes through its direct operations. The initiative was unveiled at the inaugural Amazon Water Dialogues, a thought leadership platform bringing together stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector.

“Our country faces critical water challenges, with groundwater levels in New Delhi declining at an alarming rate,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia. “Our project with Hasten Regeneration focuses on revitalizing the Yamuna basin through strategic infrastructure rehabilitation and new construction.”

The project will be implemented in partnership with Hasten Regeneration, a social enterprise known for ecosystem restoration, and will include infrastructure upgrades such as check dams and pond revitalisation, as well as new percolation pits and recharge shafts. Sites within the Yamuna River basin will be selected based on their potential to directly benefit water-stressed communities in Delhi and peri-urban areas.

“This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis,” said Sheeba Sen, Co-founder, Hasten Regeneration. “By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we’re building both water systems and community resilience.”