Sawai Madhopur, In its continued endeavor
to replenish groundwater and economically empower communities, The Coca-Cola
India Foundation (Anandana) along
with its implementing partner Action for Food Production (AFPRO), today
handed
over a completed water conservation project consisting of 2 Earthen Dams, 22
farm ponds, Renovation of 2 existing dams, 34 well recharge structures to the
community of Sawai Madhopur. The project which took 12 months to complete was inaugurated by Ms. Diya Kumari, member of Rajasthan
Legislative Assembly from Sawai Madhopur constituency and a member of the
Bharatiya Janata Party, and handed over to the community in her presence. 
The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in
partnership with Action for Food Production (AFPRO), constructed the water
conservation structure to improve the water use efficiency, groundwater
recharge and strengthening eco-system services in the region. This watershed
project spread over 300 hectares will benefit around 2,500 households and over 10,000
individuals in the 4 villages of Bhadlav, Padli, Ulliyana and Kundera in the Sawai
Madhopur district.
Congratulating the villagers on this
occasion, Ms. Diya Kumari said, “The dwindling water scenario in the village
has always been an area of concern for the villagers affecting the agricultural
productivity and their livelihood. I appreciate Coca-Cola India Foundation and
AFPRO’s efforts of assessing the needs of Sawai Madhopur villages and
addressing the issue of ground water depletion. This watershed management
initiative will help the local farmers to yield better output and will improve
the socio-economic state of the region.”
Handing
over the water conservation project to the community, Mr. Ishteyaque Amjad,
Vice President Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola India & South
West Asia said, “The concept of sustainable development is at the heart of our
business. We have continuously been striving to create lasting positive impacts
on the communities we proudly serve,
actively leveraging partnerships with communities and government agencies – an
approach we call ‘the Golden-Triangle’. Through the construction of this check dam we strive
to improve the management of water resources and the daily life of the
villagers and farmers. We expect there will be a significant rise in
groundwater table post monsoon this year."
Speaking
on the occasion Praveen Singhai, Regional Manager, AFPRO, said, “Groundwater in
Sawai Madhopur becomes a critical resource now days. As the water crisis
continues to become severe, there is a dire need of reform in water management
system and revival of traditional systems. AFPRO in partnership with Anandana,
Coca-Cola foundation completed a water augmentation project in four villages of
Sawai Madhopur district to benefit over 10,000 people”
Present
at the event, the farmer community from Sawai Madhopur highlighted their
concerns about the rapidly depleting water levels in the village affecting the
agricultural productivity. The average groundwater level in these 4 villages is
currently around 50 metres and drops further during summer season. The water
conservation structures constructed to address the issue, will result in
multiple benefits including enhanced productivity, soil and water conservation,
environment amelioration and socio-economic up-liftment of the community. The
Coca-Cola India Foundation, Anandana, is committed towards sustainable
development and inclusive growth by focusing on issues relating to water, the
environment, healthy living and social advance so that it can contribute to a
strong and resolute India enabling the common man to better his or her life.