Water is life, they say. But in many parts of India, water is a struggle. Tribal women in hilly areas of Uttarakhand and rural Jharkhand used to walk for hours to fetch drinking and irrigation water. That was their daily reality until AWF stepped in with innovative rainwater harvesting projects. Corporates now have a chance to make a real difference by supporting these initiatives.
In Uttarakhand, AWF’s Chal Khal project has transformed hilly landscapes. These small check dams and water channels capture monsoon rain and store it for year-round use. The water flows down naturally, replenishing soil, reducing erosion, and helping farmers grow more crops. It is a simple idea but powerful. Every drop collected makes a difference to communities living in these fragile ecosystems.
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, AWF has constructed hundreds of ponds that provide clean water for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. These ponds not only save time and energy for women but also offer opportunities for fish farming, creating a new source of income and improving rural livelihood support. Families trained in aquaculture can sell freshwater fish like Catla and Rohu in local markets, improving nutrition and generating revenue.
Corporates partnering with AWF can fund these water conservation initiatives as part of their CSR tree plantation or sustainability projects. Each contribution comes with an 80G certificate, geotagged monitoring of the project area, and impact assessment reports. This ensures data transparency and measurable impact while improving water security for rural communities.
The benefits of rainwater harvesting go beyond water. It supports sustainable agriculture, increases tree survival in plantations, and contributes to carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration. By combining water conservation projects with tree plantations, corporates help create resilient landscapes that support wildlife, biodiversity, and community livelihoods.
Every corporate contribution makes a difference. Companies funding these initiatives help build Chal Khals, ponds, and other water retention systems, creating ecosystems that last for decades. Employees can also participate in team tree planting and water conservation awareness programs, connecting corporate teams with nature and local communities.
For companies ready to make a meaningful impact, AWF offers complete support. From planning and execution to monitoring and reporting, corporates can ensure their contributions bring real ecological and social returns.
Reach out to AWF at info@awf.co.in to join hands in building water-secure communities. Every pond built, every Chal Khal created, is a step toward sustainable landscapes, empowered communities, and a greener India.