Hinduja And Ambuja Foundations Transform Rajasthan With Water Conservation

On June 5, 2025, Hinduja Foundation and Ambuja Foundation announced the transformation of 2.74 lakh lives across 173 villages in Rajasthan through their Jal Jeevan water conservation program. By creating over 6.07 billion liters of water storage capacity and empowering 1,000 women as Sujal Sahelis, the initiative addresses water scarcity and promotes gender empowerment. Combining traditional and modern techniques, the project enhances water security and supports sustainable development in rural Rajasthan.

The Jal Jeevan programme, led by Hinduja Foundation in partnership with Ambuja Foundation, focuses on sustainable water management in Rajasthan’s water-scarce regions, including Alwar, Ajmer, Karauli, and Phalodi. Over seven years, the initiative has implemented 2,116 rainwater harvesting and recharge structures, deepened 90 village ponds, constructed 65 farm ponds and 218 farm tanks, developed 68 borewell and tubewell recharge structures, and built 13 check dams. Additionally, 423 hectares of farmland now use micro-irrigation, and 45,000 meters of water pipelines have improved accessibility. These efforts have created a water storage capacity of over 6.07 billion liters, benefiting 2.74 lakh people across 173 villages.

A key component of the program is the empowerment of 1,000 women as Sujal Sahelis, trained volunteers who lead community efforts in water conservation, hygiene, and education. These women have formed the Sujal Mahila Mahasangh (SMMS), a collective of over 450 active members promoting rainwater harvesting and water stewardship. By 2026, the Mahasangh aims to train 2,000 women as leaders in water governance, fostering gender equality and sustainable development. The Sujal Sahelis conduct awareness campaigns, encouraging communities to adopt water-saving practices and maintain local water infrastructure.

The programme integrates traditional water management practices, such as pond deepening, with modern techniques like micro-irrigation and borewell recharging. This approach ensures efficient water use and replenishes groundwater levels, critical in Rajasthan’s arid climate. The construction of check dams and farm tanks supports agriculture by providing reliable water sources for irrigation, boosting crop yields and farmer incomes. The 1,525 saplings planted as part of the initiative further promote ecological restoration, stabilizing soil and enhancing local ecosystems.

The Hinduja Foundation’s broader Jal Jeevan initiative extends beyond Rajasthan, impacting over 50 lakh people across 4,000 villages in 18 states and Union Territories. The foundation has restored 5 trillion liters of water, covering nearly 40 lakh acres of agricultural land, through lake and well restoration, check dam construction, and rooftop harvesting systems. In Rajasthan, the partnership with Ambuja Foundation has amplified impact by leveraging local expertise and community involvement. Support from Hinduja Group companies, including Ashok Leyland, Hinduja Leyland Finance, Hinduja Housing Finance, IndusInd Bank, Hinduja Global Solutions, and Hinduja Renewable Energy, has enabled the program’s scale and innovation.

The initiative’s success lies in its community-driven approach. By training women as Sujal Sahelis, the program ensures local ownership and sustainability. These women educate their communities on water hygiene, reducing waterborne diseases and improving public health. The deepened ponds and recharge structures have increased groundwater levels, making water available year-round in villages previously reliant on distant sources. The micro-irrigation systems have reduced water wastage, allowing farmers to cultivate more land with less water, improving food security and economic stability.

The program also addresses gender disparities by empowering women as leaders in water governance. The Sujal Mahila Mahasangh provides a platform for women to influence local policies and advocate for sustainable practices. This empowerment extends beyond water management, as Sujal Sahelis gain confidence and skills that enhance their roles in community decision-making. The initiative’s focus on ecological restoration, through sapling plantation and soil conservation, further ensures long-term environmental benefits.

Looking ahead, the Hinduja and Ambuja Foundations plan to expand the Jal Jeevan program, training more Sujal Sahelis and implementing additional water infrastructure. The goal is to replicate Rajasthan’s success in other water-scarce regions, creating a model for sustainable water management across India. By combining community leadership, modern technology, and traditional knowledge, the initiative sets a benchmark for addressing water scarcity and promoting inclusive development.

Conclusion

The Hinduja and Ambuja Foundations’ Jal Jeevan program has transformed 173 villages in Rajasthan by creating 6.07 billion liters of water storage and empowering 1,000 women as Sujal Sahelis. Through rainwater harvesting, pond deepening, and micro-irrigation, the initiative ensures water security and supports agriculture. The Sujal Mahila Mahasangh fosters gender equality and community leadership, making the program a model for sustainable development. As the foundations expand their efforts, their work continues to address water scarcity and promote a sustainable future for rural India.