Surat: Bhagirath work of Adani Foundation to get rid of water problem. Loktej Surat, Business News

Every living being in the world needs water, but due to limited sources, its conservation is very important. Adani Foundation has taken up the cause of water conservation in Gujarat with the ambitious objective of ‘Bahujan Sukhay’. The Foundation for Water Resource Development in Mundra, Dahej and Hazira has worked to eliminate wastage of water through various initiatives. Works like check dams, tanks for rainwater harvesting, deepening of ponds, drip irrigation for agriculture, etc. have made water available at people’s doorsteps.

The coastal regions of Gujarat, which have the longest coastline in the country, are highly affected by salinity pollution. Therefore, there are many challenges around the sea belt such as groundwater conservation, preventing salt water seepage, preventing soil erosion, protecting wetlands. In low rainfall and dry areas, every drop of water is precious. In that Adani Foundation has taken several successful initiatives for water and land augmentation as well as improving the quality of life of people dependent on agriculture.

Around Mundra in Kutch, Adani Foundation has completed over 208 borewell recharges, over 145 rainwater rooftop harvesting systems (RRWHS), over 18 new check dams and deepening of over 61 ponds. Apart from this, borewell recharging has increased the water level. 15-20 feet and increased the storage capacity of check dams and ponds by 106.44 MCFT.

The above initiatives have resulted in unprecedented change in the health and standard of living of the people. Availability of potable water at the doorstep has resulted in 80% reduction in labor cost and 20% reduction in electricity bill. Safety, security and welfare of women and children are also ensured. Health care expenditure has been saved by an average of 25% and Rs.10,000 per family. More than 218,500 people have been affected by the Foundation’s efforts.

Devandh Gadhvi, a social worker from Jarpara, says, “Before the activities of Adani Foundation, we had no option but to drink brackish water. The water supply was also not regular, making availability of drinking water a major challenge. Now we can get drinking water throughout the year due to rain water harvesting infrastructure. The most important aspect of these structures is that they are designed and installed according to the water consumption of each household.”

Water ATM has been invented in Dahej in the area of ​​water conservation, among other initiatives. The RO plant has been started by Adani Foundation under Community Infrastructure Development. Tourists can also withdraw water like money from the water ATM near the bus stand. Rural through ATM card only. 20 liters of water is available for 7 rupees. Local Rakesh Patel earns Rs 15000 per month by running this plant.

Due to port and industrial development, a large number of laborers living in Dahej are taking advantage of water ATMs. Rakeshbhai says, “People prefer RO water. Also, its demand increases a lot in monsoon. The Foundation’s initiative has provided clean water to the people of the coastal areas and has prevented diseases caused by contaminated water, as well as providing employment to the local people.

Hazira, a port and industrial center of Surat district, is famous for being a tourist center. Several pond foundations, underground and overhead tanks, water huts with RO system have been constructed by the Foundation in and around Hazira, located on the beach. Construction of underground pump, supply and installation of RO plant has been done.

Philanthropic work done in the field of water conservation is an excellent example of sensitivity in the context of social, economic and environment. Adani Foundation has been awarded the National Water Award for the year 2021 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.