Carlsberg India and WaterAid India have launched a three-year water-replenishment program in the water-stressed Nanjangud Block of Mysuru. The collaborative efforts of Carlsberg and WaterAid are expected to positively impact over 34 thousand individuals across the five Gram Panchayats – Thagadooru, Karya, Devanur, Badanavalu, Nerale.
Acknowledging water as the essential component in beer production, Carlsberg is dedicated to a collaboration with the goal of restoring an equivalent amount of water it uses back to the local communities and the ecosystem. The program tackles crucial elements such as wetland preservation, sustainable sourcing practices, grey water management, and interventions for sustainable agriculture. In addition to concrete water conservation efforts, the partnership will involve awareness campaigns, training initiatives, and convergence meetings to actively involve key stakeholders within the community.
The Nanjangud Block in the Mysuru district of Karnataka, India, faces a substantial water challenge due to its below-average annual rainfall. Operating within this area, Carlsberg India recognizes the pressing need to tackle water conservation.
The collaborative effort also marks the commencement of a global partnership between Carlsberg Group and WaterAid, focusing on a holistic approach to sustainable water management.
Nilesh Patel, managing director, Carlsberg India said, “At Carlsberg India, we are committed to achieving zero water waste as part of our Together Towards Zero & Beyond Program. We are pleased to announce our collaboration with WaterAid to address the scarcity of water in Nanjangud. Together, we aspire to make a lasting impact by implementing sustainable water conservation measures and foster empowerment of the community. This partnership underscores our dedication to make a real difference to build a lasting and sustainable future for all.”
“Our partnership with Carlsberg India furthers our common goal of ensuring assured availability of water, especially in water stressed regions in India. WaterAid India’s holistic and participatory approach, steered by communities’ collective commitment and action to conserve water and protect water sources through conservation, ground water recharge measures, greywater management and efficient water use for agriculture will create a more resilient and water-secure future,” said VK Madhavan, chief executive, WaterAid India.
“We find it truly encouraging to witness Carlsberg, a Danish company, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing both ecosystems and communities within its operational areas. This collaborative effort with WaterAid sets a commendable example. We trust that this partnership will serve as inspiration for other businesses to emulate the proactive approach demonstrated by Carlsberg and WaterAid,” stated Søren Nørrelund Kannik-Marquardsen, Minister Counsellor, Regional Coordinator South Asia And Head Of Trade & Commercial Affairs New Delhi.
The collaboration establishes a comprehensive program for sustainable water management in the region, encompassing:
- Restoration of Wetlands: Ponds and check dams will undergo enhancements to improve storage capacity, channelization, and the growth of native vegetation.
- Measures for Sustainable Sourcing: Capturing stormwater to recharge deeper aquifers, ensuring a dependable secondary water source for the communities.
- Enhancing Agricultural Water Efficiency: Advocating for precision irrigation techniques to increase crop yields and decrease reliance on groundwater.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Utilizing rooftop rainwater harvesting to establish a sustainable water source for drinking and domestic purposes, while any excess water contributes to the recharge of aquifers.
- Water Budgeting: Implementing these measures will guarantee a sustainable water supply and assess the program’s impact.
- Awareness Initiatives and Training: Community engagement, training programs, and convergence meetings will involve both the community and key stakeholders in efforts toward water conservation.