Rajasthan’s push toward long-term water security received a major boost as corporate and civil society partners committed more than ₹130 crore in CSR support at a recent high-level state consultation in Jaipur. The consultation, centred on “Building Public–Private–People Partnership for a Water-Secure Rajasthan,” was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Department of Watershed Development and Soil Conservation and implementing partner Aravali. The platform brought together government departments, CSR organisations, academia and grassroots institutions to chart a coordinated path for sustainable water management.
The Government of Rajasthan signed MoUs amounting to ₹100 crore with leading CSR partners including Piramal Foundation, PHD Chamber, Arpan Seva, HPCL and ITC to support Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan (MJSA) 2.0. The commitments aim to strengthen rural infrastructure, promote innovative water-conservation practices, and build capacity at the panchayat level. Additional MoUs worth ₹14 crore were formalised—₹9 crore from PHD RDF Chamber of Commerce and ₹5 crore from Piramal Foundation and Arpan Seva Sansthan—to mobilise ₹100 crore investment for carbon credits through plantation efforts across 10,000 hectares of wasteland. Further pledges of ₹21 crore came from Ambuja Cement, Dharampal Satyapal Group, ITC, Jamnalal Bajaj Trust and HPRRL, along with support for village groundwater cooperatives under the MARVI concept.
Deliberations through the day focused on aligning government schemes with CSR strategies, reinforcing the link between water security, rural livelihoods, farmers’ income and climate resilience. Participants identified the need for stronger infrastructure, technology-driven solutions, capacity-building and scalable conservation models. Representatives from more than 20 corporate entities—including Piramal Foundation, ITC, Ambuja, Shree Cement, DS Group, JK Cement and the Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust—shared insights. Their views were complemented by contributions from 15 NGOs such as Arpan Seva Sansthan, Ibtada, Pradan, FES, Centre for Micro Finance and Gramin Vikas Trust, highlighting on-ground challenges and innovations.
Academic and research institutions including ICRISAT, MNIT Jaipur, IIT Roorkee, Kanoria College and Western Sydney University added scholarly depth to the discussions. Padma Shri awardees Laxman Singh and Shyam Sundar Paliwal also provided valuable perspectives rooted in community-led models. Officers from key water-related departments ensured a comprehensive administrative lens to the conversations.
Addressing the consultation, Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar said the CSR commitments mark a decisive step toward a water-secure Rajasthan. He underscored the role of community participation and innovation in ensuring sustainability. In his keynote remarks, he highlighted how CSR-backed interventions under MJSA enhance community ownership and strengthen long-term outcomes.
Muhammad Junaid, Director, Watershed Development and Soil Conservation, outlined progress under MJSA and PMKSY, stressing the importance of adopting best practices from ongoing innovations. He said showcasing successful models and interventions is critical to shaping future strategies and action plans.
UNICEF reiterated its commitment to climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Paulos Workneh, Chief of WASH, emphasised alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 and SDG 13. He noted that collaborative efforts since 2023 have strengthened local water-security initiatives. Rushabh Hemani, Chief In-Charge and WASH Specialist, UNICEF Jaipur, noted that the partnership aligns with the state’s 2047 water-security vision, structured into phased milestones for 2030, 2035 and 2047.
The consultation also featured experience-sharing sessions with organisations including AIWC Marvi, Centre for Science and Environment, Ambuja Foundation, Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Foundation, ITC, PHD Chamber of Commerce, Dharampal Satyapal Group and Shree Cement Foundation. UNICEF presented field insights to guide collaborative planning, marking a significant stride in Rajasthan’s journey toward a water-secure and climate-resilient future.
Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.
"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!
