Jal Jeevan mission: Hinduja family’s water heritage revival mission

In the villages of India, ranging across dusty plains and lush valleys, ancient techniques of water conservation are being revived. The Hinduja Foundation is undertaking a silent yet mighty revolution of water-home quiet, steadfast non-violence in the face of climate change and disappearing water sources.

The Hinduja Foundation is working on the Jal Jeevan mission of the Government of India, where the restoration of traditional wells, lakes, and step wells, alongside the provision of clean drinking water to the rural population, is in progress. Their experience and projects have provided a clean drinking water supply to 5 million people (including 4,000 villages in 19 states and union territories since 2018) and served 1.2 billion liters of liquid.

Restoring the Past to hold on to the Future

In India, there was a robust history of communally run water structures, including stepwells, lakes, tanks, and uncovered wells. However, these were destroyed by the ravages of time, water pollution, and declining groundwater levels. These traditional methods were beneficial to the Hinduja Foundation.

Already, they have retrieved 100 lakes and more than 20,000 open wells. They are not only restoring water to the areas but also enhancing biodiversity by cleaning them, recharging groundwater, and planting around the water bodies. Notably, they include local villagers in every process, from planning to maintenance.

According to Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group Europe, “Water is not merely a resource but a human right and a lifeline. The Hinduja Foundation’s work is rooted in compassion, heritage, and a sense of responsibility. We are proud to serve the people of India by reviving what was always theirs: water from their land.”

Clean Water, Neighborhood Water

The Foundation has constructed over 200 RO plants, gravity filters, and rooftop rainwater tanks to meet urgent drinking water requirements. These easy devices deliver clean water to the doorsteps of houses, schools, and health centers.

This has transformed the lives of women and children who previously had to walk for miles to fetch water. They can now spend that time at school, work, and health. As Prakash Hinduja observes, “Sustainability cannot be imported. It must be built locally, with respect to the land, the people, and the culture. The Hinduja Family believes in creating solutions that last generations, not just headlines.”

Community-Agricultural Water which Creates Livelihoods

This is not the only effect of drinking water. There is now spare water that farmers can use to produce more crops; animals always have a source of water, and villages are flourishing once more. Migration has declined, with youths now remaining behind to engage in agriculture or business.

A Nation in a Model

The water mission idea of the Hinduja Foundation is now regarded as an example of how to merge the national tradition with modern technology at the national level, such as real-time water testing and mapping resources. These projects are typically run by women's self-help groups, thereby fostering stronger and more independent communities.

Looking Ahead

As water problems continue to expand, this mission has become more relevant than ever. The Hinduja Foundation is on track to implement its actions in additional states, with its objective remaining to bring water, dignity, and resilience to every village in India. According to Switzerland-based Prakash Hinduja, the Foundation is already exploring expansion into additional states and deeper collaborations with the government and civil society.