In a significant stride towards addressing water security and climate change challenges, the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Sun Pharma. This three-year program is set to create a water harvesting capacity of over 5.2 billion litres in the Ahmednagar and Beed districts of Maharashtra. Covering a vast expanse of nearly 30,000 hectares, impacting 22 villages, and reaching a population of 36,884 and 7,823 families, this collaboration aims to bolster rural communities’ resilience through effective water harvesting and management practices.
WOTR, recognized for its commitment to ecosystem restoration through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), underscores the vital link between sustainable development and the well-being of local ecosystems. This ensures that interventions not only directly benefit the community but also play a role in achieving wider environmental sustainability objectives.
Prakash Keskar, Executive Director of WOTR, emphasised the partnership’s significance, stating, “This collaboration underscores WOTR’s unwavering commitment to strengthening rural communities against the unpredictable variations of climate change. Our partnership with Sun Pharma is a significant step towards empowering these communities to better manage their water resources, ensuring the security of their livelihoods and enhancing their resilience to climate volatility.”
Sun Pharma, acknowledging the alignment between business and responsibility, is dedicated to harnessing its resources for community development. The company is committed to creating enduring value by striking a balance between economic, environmental, and social considerations. Through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Initiatives, Sun Pharma aims to address critical needs of rural populations in a sustainable manner. The collaboration with WOTR exemplifies Sun Pharma’s commitment to community service and sustainability.
The joint initiative will centre on diverse elements such as water conservation, climate-resilient agricultural practices, capacity building for utilising government schemes, and livestock development. These measures are strategically positioned to proficiently handle water supply and demand dynamics while also addressing behavioural aspects tied to water utilisation. The collaboration between WOTR and Sun Pharma marks a hopeful trajectory for rural communities in the Ahmednagar and Beed districts.
