Carlsberg India and WaterAid India have expanded their collaboration to support water conservation projects in communities surrounding Carlsberg breweries in Kolkata, Aurangabad, and Hyderabad. Building on the success of their previous water-replenishment initiative in the water-stressed Nanjangud Block of Mysuru, the partnership now extends to 30 villages, known as Gram Panchayats, across West Bengal, Telangana, and Maharashtra, benefiting 51,000 individuals.
This initiative involves active community participation, focusing on groundwater recharge, improved water-use efficiency, and sustainable water management practices. The program is expected to conserve over 320,000 m3 of water annually. Carlsberg India first partnered with WaterAid India in 2023 to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in Mysuru, Karnataka. The ongoing Mysuru project has already positively impacted over 34,000 individuals and is projected to replenish 85,000 m3 of water annually upon completion.
Recognizing water as a key ingredient in brewing, Carlsberg is committed to replenishing the same amount of water it consumes at its breweries through off-site projects with local communities and ecosystems. The program includes tangible conservation measures, awareness campaigns, training sessions, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Nilesh Patel, Managing Director of Carlsberg India, stated, “Our collaboration with WaterAid fosters a resilient future by promoting community-led water conservation efforts. Staying true to our philosophy of brewing for a better tomorrow, we are dedicated to building a lasting and sustainable future for the communities around our breweries.” The three-year plan addresses critical issues, including excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture and climate change-related disruptions in rainfall patterns, which affect groundwater recharge rates.
VK Madhavan, Chief Executive of WaterAid India, added, “Our partnership with Carlsberg India strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water, particularly in water-stressed regions. WaterAid India’s holistic and participatory approach—centered on community-driven conservation, groundwater recharge, greywater management, and efficient water use—will contribute to a more resilient and water-secure future.”
WaterAid and Carlsberg Partnership
The partnership aims to mitigate water risks in the identified Gram Panchayats, fostering secure water communities. WaterAid will implement conservation measures, generating evidence to support local and district governments in scaling up similar initiatives. Lessons from this collaboration will serve as a foundation for broader water security efforts across additional Gram Panchayats.
The program includes:
- Restoration of traditional water bodies: Revitalizing lakes and ponds to enhance storage capacity and improve natural water flow.
- Source sustainability measures: Utilizing rainwater to recharge deeper aquifers and ensure long-term water security.
- Rainwater harvesting: Implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting for drinking and domestic use, with surplus water directed toward aquifer recharge.
- Water budgeting: Enabling communities to assess water availability and needs, encouraging responsible usage.
- Campaigns and training: Conducting awareness campaigns, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings to drive community participation in water conservation efforts.
