DS Group water conservation initiatives emphasize 'valuing water'

Noida-based Dharampal Satyapal (DS) Group has restored over 550 water conservation structures across the country, leading to a cumulative storage capacity of more than 33 lakh cubic meters, along with 83,000 cubic meters of soil conservation, the company stated in a press note. An area of over 1000 hectares has been bought under irrigation with an increase in crop intensity by 1.5 times, touching the lives of more than 60,000 people. The creation of water conservation and harvesting structures and reviving and rejuvenating the traditional water recharging structures has not only made potable water accessible to many, but it has also enhanced the livelihood prospects of local communities' manifold.

The DS Group believes in building sustainable, economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient communities. The company undertakes projects in critical areas such as water conservation, livelihood enhancement, education, and any relevant programs that help the communities and have a long-term sustainable impact. 'Water conservation is a key focus area for the Group. Many projects have been commissioned for water harvesting and conservation to replenish the groundwater and increase water availability in water-stressed areas in various parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat.

The customized programs work to improve water security in the areas identified as water critical by encouraging the proactive participation of local communities by using and reviving traditional water conservation methods. This has led to increased water tables by around 10 to 20 meters in the project areas.

The company is also creating Water Economic Zones through Integrated Watershed Development in Udaipur. It is an integrated watershed development project spread over an area of around 11,000 hectares in Alsigarh and Kurabad and reaches out to more than 23,000 people of 26 villages. The project focuses on augmenting natural resources, particularly water and soil, to increase land productivity, thus improving the quality of life of the tribal and rural community through value addition in on-farm and off-farm activities.

The Group has already constructed 263 soil and water conservation structures such as Anicuts or Check Dams, Mini Percolation Tanks, or Earthen Dams apart from other soil conservation measures like continuous contour trenches, gabion, gully plugs, recharge pits, and others in the WEZ project area. These water harvesting structures have a storage and recharge capacity of about 17,57,309 cubic meters. Around 81,267 cubic meters of continuous contour trenches have been constructed, recharging an additional 3,71,858 cubic meters of water in an average monsoon. These soil conservation measures also reduce soil erosion, which improves the life of harvesting structures.

Many other projects are underway in water-deficient areas like Bundelkhand in UP, Thar, and Kutch desert area in Gujarat; Sikar Karauli, Dungarpur areas Rajasthan, and springs recharge and rejuvenation in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh besides others.

With a vision to build sustainable communities by leveraging local resources and network, it has been the Group's endeavor to address the country's water insufficiency. Consistent efforts have been towards sensitizing the communities to 'Value Water'.

The Dharampal Satyapal (DS) Group is a multi-business corporation with a strong Indian and international presence. Founded in 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth and innovation. The key business pillars of the Group are tobacco, mouth freshener, food and beverage, confectionery, agri, and other investments. Catch salt and spices, Catch Beverages, Pulse, FRU, Maze, Ksheer, Pass Pass, Rajnigandha, Rajnigandha Pearls, Pulse, BABA, Tulsi, The Manu Maharani, and Namah are some of the leading brands the Group proudly shelters today.