The foundation’s flagship project transforms over 4,000 villages in 18 states, addressing water scarcity and fostering sustainable solutions for communities

On World Water Day, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, claimed that its Jal Jeevan initiative, which spans 18 states and Union Territories, has successfully restored 5 trillion litre of water, positively impacting 5 million people across more than 4,000 villages.

The initiative, which includes efforts by Hinduja Group companies and 24 partner NGOs, aims to tackle India’s growing water scarcity issue. According to a recent report by the Observer Research Foundation, the country’s per capita water availability is projected to decrease significantly, necessitating large-scale interventions for sustainable water access.

Under the Jal Jeevan initiative, the foundation claimed that it has implemented a variety of measures to combat water stress, including the restoration of 100 lakes, the construction and rehabilitation of 20,000 open wells, and the installation of 765 check dams to enhance groundwater recharge. Furthermore, the foundation has set up 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems and provided 1.2 billion litre of safe drinking water.

“The growing demand for water and the projected decline in availability makes water security one of India’s most pressing challenges,” said Paul Abraham, President of the Hinduja Foundation. “Through community-driven, sustainable solutions, Jal Jeevan not only addresses water scarcity but also empowers communities to build long-term resilience. Our mission focuses on rejuvenating agriculture, restoring water bodies, and securing livelihoods, especially in water-stressed regions.”

In addition to providing safe drinking water, the foundation’s initiatives also focus on improving access to water for agricultural purposes. The restoration of water bodies helps recharge groundwater and increases storage capacity. Projects such as the Nilgiri Wellington Wetland and the restoration of historic stepwells in cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad highlight the foundation’s commitment to preserving India’s water heritage.

The foundation’s spring restoration projects have garnered recognition from NITI Aayog and the UN CEO Water Mandate, further solidifying the initiative’s impact.