You are here: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dedicates Diageo’s ‘Water of Life’ initiative to Delhi residents.
Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and VAT 69, today dedicated its latest Water of Life initiative in India, the Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan in Delhi.
Chief Minister, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, was the chief guest at the dedication ceremony of Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan along with Ramakant Goswami, MLA and Vice Chairman of Delhi Jal Board and Bishan Singh Bedi, former captain of the Indian Cricket team. This public private sector partnership is supported by the Bhagidari initiative of the Delhi government with implementation support from the Delhi Jal Board, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority and Central Groundwater Board.
Diageo has teamed up with the Forum for Organised Resource Conservation and Enhancement (FORCE), a leading water conservation NGO, to construct rainwater harvesting structures for the replenishment of groundwater through 50 abandoned tubewells in Delhi. It is estimated that the project will provide between 10,000-14,000 people with up to 40 million liters of clean water per year.
Diageo’s Water of Life programs across the world provide local communities with greater access to clean water and advance environmental conservation in line with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which include halving the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2015.
In addition to the tangible benefits of increased water access, this project aims to foster greater awareness and education among local communities about the importance of water conservation, particularly among the youth. Diageo is building community capability by working closely with the Resident Welfare Associations, the Delhi Jal (water) Board and local government, as well as by involving Diageo employees.
Roland Abella, Managing Director, Diageo India said, “Access to clean water is a universal human need and holds a special significance for our business, which itself depends on a reliable supply of clean water. Projects such as the Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan which provide access to water and promote environmental conservation reflect our commitment to support local communities and represent an important component of our Water of Life program.”
Jyoti Sharma, President, FORCE added, “80% of rural India and 50% of urban India is dependent upon groundwater for its domestic water needs. Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan is an excellent example of a joint stakeholder effort to ensure drinking water security for this vulnerable segment. We look forward to continued collaboration with Diageo”.
Lin Menuhin, Corporate Social Responsibility Director, Diageo Asia Pacific, told reporters at the dedication ceremony, “We are delighted to be contributing to the local community here in Delhi. We have a long-standing relationship with India through our brands and it is important that we also invest in the social wellbeing of the communities. Together, as individuals and as a business, we can make a difference.”
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Ramakant Goswami, Bishan Singh Bedi, Diageo, FORCE and the residents of Naraina Vihar were the first to sign the pledge committing to respect and value water everyday in every way.
