As part of the project, a village pond was rejuvenated, improving its capacity to store rainwater and support groundwater recharge. The silt removed during desiltation process was scientifically tested and provided to nearby farmers for reuse, helping improve soil quality and agricultural productivity.
United Breweries Limited (UBL), part of the HEINEKEN Company, has successfully completed Phase 3 of Project Jal Sanchay across Mallarabanavadi, Hanchipura, Kodappanahalli, Byregowdanahalli, and Varadanayakanahalli villages in Nelamangala, Bengaluru Rural. Implemented under the company’s CSR programme in partnership with S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF), the initiative focuses on strengthening local water resources and enabling groundwater recharge in these communities through a combination of water conservation measures and community-led management interventions.
As part of the project, a village pond was rejuvenated, improving its capacity to store rainwater and support groundwater recharge. The silt removed during desiltation process was scientifically tested and provided to nearby farmers for reuse, helping improve soil quality and agricultural productivity. To further strengthen groundwater recharge, 30 rainwater pits were constructed across the five villages to capture rainwater and facilitate its percolation into the ground. A piezometer was also installed to enable ongoing monitoring of groundwater levels and support more informed water resource management over time.
Recognising the importance of community ownership for long-term sustainability, a Village Development Committee (VDC) has been formed and provided with capacity-building support to oversee the upkeep of water structures and drive community participation.
The event was attended by Nikolay Dobrev, Zone Head Karnataka, United Breweries Limited; Janaki P, Deputy Director, Karnataka Ground Water Authority; Pallavi, Senior Geologist, Karnataka Ground Water Authority; Rahul Gowda, Sarpanch, Yentaganahalli Gram Panchayat, who appreciated the collaborative efforts of the community, implementation partner and UBL in making the initiative possible.
Garima Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, United Breweries Limited, said, “Water stewardship is central to both our business and the communities where we operate. Through initiatives like Jal Sanchay, we work closely with communities and partners to restore and strengthen local water systems, while supporting sustainable water management practices. By combining infrastructure development with active community participation, we aim to contribute to healthier watersheds and improved water security in the region.”
Anjali Makhija, Chief Executive Officer, SMSF, added, “Community participation plays a vital role in the long-term sustainability of water conservation initiatives. Through our partnership with United Breweries Limited, this project has helped strengthen local water resources while enabling communities to take ownership of managing and sustaining these assets for the future.”
