Category: Sectors
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Water Access Transforms 15 Rajasthan Villages
In Sambhar, Rajasthan, the Royal Rajasthan Foundation’s (RRF) Access to Water project, launched in 2020, is changing lives across 15 villages. Partnering with Gram Chetan Kendra, Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, and Danish Power, RRF has built farm ponds to conserve rainwater, boost irrigation, and lift farmer incomes, while empowering women to lead community efforts.
For the first time in generations, families are growing a second crop, ending distress migration. Key impacts include:
- 100% of farmers now grow a second crop, with 24% earning over ₹1.2 lakh extra annually.
- Households save ₹1,000–2,000 monthly on water, with many accessing fluoride-free drinking water.
- 91% of families with fruit trees save ₹200–300 monthly and report better nutrition.
- Chemical fertilizer use dropped from 43% to 13%.
- 96% of farmers learned efficient water use, improving soil and reducing pests.
- 95% of families invest savings in children’s education.
“Water isn’t scarce—it’s mismanaged,” says Ranjit Barthakur, RRF Chairperson. “With women leading, we’re building resilient, thriving communities.”
In 2025, RRF will add 400 farm ponds, reaching over 1,470 families, and launch a Khejri tree plantation drive. This project shows how water, women’s empowerment, and climate action can transform rural lives.
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Bright Futures: New Classrooms Transform Rural Karnataka
In Kolkunte village, 13-year-old Priya beams as she enters her new classroom—bright, airy, and sturdy. Thanks to a partnership between Aahwahan Foundation and Huawei India, modern learning spaces are rising in remote Karnataka villages like Kolkunte (Davanagere), Hirekeruru (Haveri), and Thuraganuru (Mandya), where old schools lacked basic facilities.
These spacious, well-ventilated classrooms are more than buildings—they’re hope for kids like Priya and 15-year-old Anil, who no longer worries about leaking roofs. “School feels like a place to grow now,” Anil says.
“We’re building spaces where kids can dream big,” says Aahwahan’s CEO Braja Kishore Pradhan statement. The initiative bridges the urban-rural education gap, creating inclusive environments for underserved communities.
“Every child deserves a chance to learn,” says Satish Hampali of Huawei India. “We’re proud to support rural students and build a brighter future.”
With plans to reach more villages, Aahwahan and Huawei India are transforming lives, one classroom at a time. For Priya, it’s simple: “This place makes me believe I can be anything.”
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APOA, CPOPC, Solidaridad Sign MoU to Boost Sustainable Palm Oil in South Asia
The Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), and Solidaridad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between palm oil producers and consumers, aiming to advance sustainability and stabilize supply chains across South Asia.
The agreement, signed in Mumbai, establishes a framework to align national sustainability standards, address market volatility, and promote smallholder inclusion, with a focus on India, a key market serving over 1.5 billion consumers.
“This partnership provides a platform for producers and consumers to tackle shared challenges like food security and price stability,” said Atul Chaturvedi, chairman of APOA.
The MoU commits the parties to harmonize frameworks such as Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), and the Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework, while respecting national regulations.
It also emphasizes traceable, No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE)-compliant sourcing, using tools like Solidaridad’s SoliTrace and remote-sensing technology for supply chain transparency.
A Joint Working Group, co-chaired by APOA and CPOPC with Solidaridad as the Technical Secretariat, will oversee implementation, monitor progress, and coordinate advocacy efforts.
Focus on Resilience and Inclusion
The initiative aims to ensure a stable supply of affordable edible oils amid price fluctuations and logistical challenges. Pilot projects will introduce digital traceability and importer-facing dashboards tailored for Indian buyers, alongside training for smallholders on regenerative farming practices.
“Indian consumers deserve clear information on palm oil’s affordability and sustainability,” said Dr. B. V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, which hosts APOA’s secretariat.
CPOPC’s Secretary General Izzana Salleh highlighted the role of fair trade and evidence-based dialogue in building market confidence, with smallholder livelihoods as a priority. Solidaridad Asia’s Managing Director, Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, stressed delivering “practical sustainability” for producers and buyers.
Broader Implications
The partnership will advocate for fair recognition of national sustainability standards in global trade discussions and explore minimum sustainability criteria for Indian public procurement. By addressing policy risks and promoting climate-smart practices, the MoU seeks to enhance economic resilience and environmental stewardship across the region.
APOA represents vegetable oil associations from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. CPOPC, founded by Indonesia and Malaysia, advocates for producer nations. Solidaridad provides technical expertise in traceability and smallholder support.
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From darkness to dignity: Murlidhar’s journey of hope with ACC’s MSMM Program
In the quiet village of Parmadoh, Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Murlidhar Waralu There — a farmer from an economically weaker family — faced a fading world due to an eye disease. Surgery was the only solution, but financial barriers stood in the way—until ACC, a leader in the Adani Portfolio, and the Adani Foundation brought hope through their Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika (MSMM) program.
A Champion for Change
Mamatai Vabhitkar, a dedicated Sangini under the MSMM initiative, discovered Murlidhar’s struggle during a village meeting. With compassion and determination, she introduced him to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, guiding him through enrollment and documentation. Thanks to her efforts, Murlidhar’s surgery was fully funded, saving him Rs 20,000 and restoring his vision.
With his eyesight back, Murlidhar resumed his work and regained his independence. His story inspired over 160 villagers in Parmadoh to enroll in the scheme, unlocking access to vital healthcare.
Building Stronger Communities
The MSMM program empowers women like Mamatai to bridge the gap between rural communities and government welfare schemes. Through ACC and the Adani Foundation’s efforts, families in Chandrapur are gaining access to healthcare, financial stability, and a brighter future.
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LG Electronics India celebrates sustainability on Global Volunteer Day
LG employees took part in a tree plantation drive in Greater Noida and Pune.
LG Electronics India, a major consumer durables brand, marked Global Volunteer Day on June 5 by organizing a series of environmental initiatives to promote sustainability, the company said on Thursday.
On June 4, the company held an e-waste collection drive at its corporate office in New Delhi, allowing employees to bring in old gadgets for proper disposal. Experts conducted an awareness session on e-waste management.
The following day, LG employees took part in a tree plantation drive in Greater Noida and Pune. They were also encouraged to plant trees at home with their families, with many sharing photos on social media.
“At LG Electronics, we believe in leading by example when it comes to environmental sustainability,” said Hong Ju Jeon, managing director of LG Electronics India.
“Our Global Volunteer Day activities reflect our dedication to creating a sustainable future and our commitment to the communities we serve.”
LG said it has partnered with 16 major recyclers across India and has so far collected 850,000 kg of e-waste as part of its extended producer responsibility obligations.
Since 2021, the company has developed and maintained a 3.1 km (1.9 mile) green area in Greater Noida, including a Miyawaki Forest with 12,000 plants.
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Coca-Cola installs benches from recycled plastic waste to promote sustainability
The soft drinks giant repurposed about 19,000 kg of plastic waste collected during last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in India to create the eco-friendly benches.
Coca-Cola India on Wednesday launched a campaign called “#BenchPeBaat” to promote sustainability and meaningful conversations, installing 380 benches made from recycled plastic waste across 10 cities in the country.
The soft drinks giant, through its philanthropic arm Anandana and in partnership with United Way Mumbai, repurposed about 19,000 kg of plastic waste collected during last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in India to create the eco-friendly benches.
Each bench is made from approximately 50 kg of recycled plastic waste, Coca-Cola said, adding the benches have been installed in schools, colleges, public parks and municipal corporation offices in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore.
“Our #BenchPeBaat campaign is a testament to our dedication towards sustainability, as we transform waste into meaningful community assets,” said Rajesh Ayapilla, senior director for corporate social responsibility and sustainability at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.
Coca-Cola conceptualised the campaign in line with its global “World Without Waste” strategy aimed at driving a circular economy for packaging, he added.
The campaign film was created by Havas People India, the talent communication and employer branding agency of Havas Group India.
“We are proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on the groundbreaking #BenchPeBaat campaign, which ignites awareness and dedication to sustainability,” said Arindam Sengupta, managing director of Havas People India.
Last year, Coca-Cola India deployed reverse vending machines and collection bins at stadiums and hospitality zones in 10 host cities during the cricket World Cup to collect plastic waste that was later repurposed into the benches.
George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, said the initiative exemplified sustainable practices while enriching communities with innovative street furniture and vibrant social spaces.
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India’s bioenergy initiatives can play role in land restoration: Tomar
More than 2 billion hectares of land are degraded worldwide, nearly the size of India and Russia combined, impacting global food and water supplies.
India’s bioenergy initiatives can play a crucial role in achieving land restoration, halting desertification and building drought resilience by providing sustainable energy solutions, Madhya Pradesh state assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said on Wednesday.
Tomar said more than 2 billion hectares of land are degraded worldwide, nearly the size of India and Russia combined, impacting global food and water supplies.
“One of the key challenges of land restoration is the effective utilization of biomass, which significantly impacts the flora and biodiversity of the region,” Tomar said at an event organised by Confederation of NGOs of Rural India.
He said India’s consumption of energy and electricity is less than one-third of the global average despite having about 17% of the world’s population.
The government has implemented various schemes to promote bioenergy including the National Bioenergy Programme, the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation scheme, and the GOBAR Dhan scheme, Tomar said.
Global Cooperation Economic Forum Chairman Dileep Shanghani said the cooperative economic framework has a major role in tackling climate change and bio-economy can provide livelihood solutions.
India is taking a leading role through campaigns like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) that encourages responsible living in harmony with nature, said Binod Anand, secretary general of the NGO confederation.
Land degradation affects about 3.2 billion people worldwide and could reduce global food productivity by 12% by 2040, leading to food price hikes of up to 30%, according to speakers at the event.
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Adani’s Ambuja Cements bags top green awards for water, energy conservation
Over 85% of the product portfolio comprises blended green cement, aligning with their sustainable manufacturing practices.
In a boost to its green credentials, Ambuja Cements, part of billionaire Gautam Adani’s diversified portfolio, has won prestigious environmental awards for its plants in Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.
The company’s Bhatapara plant in Chhattisgarh clinched the Platinum Award at the 8th Apex India Excellence Awards for its innovative use of green energy.
Nearly 30%of the plant’s power needs are met through solar energy and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS). The plant also stands out for its water conservation efforts, achieving an impressive 8-times water positivity.
Similarly, the Roorkee plant in Uttarakhand bagged the Gold Award for its exemplary water management practices. The unit has slashed its water consumption by a substantial 33%, setting a new industry benchmark.
“These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship,” said Ajay Kapur, CEO of Adani Group’s cement business.
He added that over 85% of their product portfolio comprises blended green cement, aligning with their sustainable manufacturing practices.
The accolades come at a time when corporate India is under increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. Ambuja Cements has been leading this charge, becoming 11 times water positive and 8 times plastic negative.
As climate change concerns mount, such initiatives by major industrial players are seen as critical. Industry experts believe that Adani’s green push in its cement business could set a precedent for other sectors to follow.
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USD 2 mln Rotary project to boost farmers’ income, fight climate woes
Rotary members will collaborate with government agencies, experts and NGO partners to train farmers in modern techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
In a major boost to Indian agriculture and the fight against climate change impacts, Rotary clubs have launched an ambitious USD 2 million project to improve water management and farming practices across four drought-prone states.
The ‘Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India’ initiative, led by the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, aims to make farming more resilient and lucrative for around 60,000 farmers in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra,an official statement said.
The key goals of the project, which has received a USD 2 million (Rs 16 crore) grant from Rotary International, include:
1. Increasing groundwater tables by 10-15% each year through water conservation measures
2. Extending cultivable area by 20-30% by enhancing water availability for irrigation
3. Boosting the incomes of participating farmers by an estimated 25-30%
4. Implementing drip irrigation across 4,113 hectares and promoting plantation of native trees/crops to reduce soil erosionRotary members will collaborate with government agencies, experts and NGO partners to train farmers in modern techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
“With over half of India’s farmers dependent on rainfall, this project can be a panacea by securing water for irrigation and boosting crop yields,” said Sudhanshu Pachisia, president of the sponsoring Rotary Club of Delhi Premier.
The mega initiative reinforces Rotary’s work of over a century in executing sustainable community projects globally worth USD 5.5 billion through its charitable foundation.
