Bisleri, a well-known brand of packaged water, is exploring the concept of water credits, akin to carbon credits, aiming to enhance accountability among beverage producers regarding their water consumption.
The company has collaborated with the TERI School of Advanced Studies to undertake a study assessing the beverage industry’s dedication to water conservation.
According to the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, a New Delhi-based think tank, by 2025, 11 out of India’s 15 major river basins will face water stress, with per-capita annual water availability dropping below 1,700 cubic meters. Moreover, India regulates groundwater usage through national and state-level regulations, imposing limits on the volume of water companies can extract for industrial and commercial activities.
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The study emphasizes that numerous major beverage manufacturers have faced criticism for extracting water from areas experiencing water stress. In reaction, several companies have started disclosing efforts to replenish the water utilized in their manufacturing operations.
Bisleri’s Water Replenishment Efforts
Bisleri intends to present its findings to the central government, aiming to stimulate discussions and formulate a framework for advancing the concept of water credits within the beverage industry.
Study on Water Trading and Credits
According to media reports, the study sought to examine both national and international practices and policies related to water trading, water credits, and fiscal instruments. Additionally, it aimed to devise a methodological framework for assessing the water footprint of a production unit. The study further conducted tests and estimated the water footprint of two Bisleri production units situated in contrasting terrains.
This initiative comes after the government introduced the Green Credit Program (GCP) in October 2023. The GCP is aimed at encouraging voluntary environmental actions across multiple sectors and involves a wide range of stakeholders, including people, communities, private sector industries, as well as businesses. In its initial phase, the GCP will prioritize water conservation and afforestation efforts.
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