Carlsberg & WaterAid team up to save water

Carlsberg India and WaterAid India have expanded their collaboration to support water conservation initiatives in communities surrounding Carlsberg’s breweries in Kolkata, Aurangabad and Hyderabad. This partnership, which initially began in Mysuru in 2023, now extends to 30 villages across West Bengal, Telangana and Maharashtra, benefiting around 51,000 individuals.

The initiative focuses on groundwater recharge, improved water-use efficiency, and sustainable water management practices. It is expected to conserve over 3,20,000 cubic metres of water annually. The expansion builds on the success of the previous water-replenishment project in the water-stressed Nanjangud Block of Mysuru, Karnataka, which has already impacted over 34,000 people and is projected to replenish 85,000 cubic metres of water per year upon completion.

Carlsberg, recognising water as a critical ingredient in brewing, is committed to replenishing the same amount of water it consumes at its breweries through community-driven conservation efforts. The three-year initiative addresses key challenges such as excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture and disruptions in rainfall patterns caused by climate change.

Speaking on the initiative, Nilesh Patel, Managing Director of Carlsberg India, said, “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 program includes tangible conservation measures such as restoring traditional water bodies, implementing rainwater harvesting, and promoting water budgeting. Additionally, awareness campaigns, training sessions, and stakeholder engagement initiatives are being conducted to encourage active community participation.

WaterAid India brings its expertise in implementing sustainable water management solutions. VK Madhavan, Chief Executive of WaterAid India, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “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.”

Key aspects of the initiative include:

• Restoration of traditional water bodies: Revitalising lakes and ponds to enhance storage capacity and improve natural water flow.

• Source sustainability measures: Utilising rainwater to recharge deeper aquifers and ensure long-term water security.

• Rainwater harvesting: Implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems 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.

• Awareness and training programs: Conducting campaigns and training sessions to drive community engagement in water conservation.

By expanding their partnership, Carlsberg India and WaterAid India are taking significant steps toward fostering water-secure communities and ensuring a sustainable future for water-stressed regions in India.