Tag: community ownership of water systems ensures lasting infrastructure use

Independent CRISIL study across 10 villages in Baloda Bazar confirms that Ambuja Cements’ water and infrastructure work helped reduce daily water-fetching time by 43 minutes

In the rural heartland of Baloda Bazar, Chhattisgarh, a long-term initiative led by Ambuja Cements has brought measurable change to water access and village infrastructure. Implemented by the Ambuja Foundation, the company’s rural development projects across ten villages have added over 220000 cubic metres of water storage capacity. These results were validated through an independent assessment conducted by CRISIL, involving 252 households.
The impact has been practical and visible. Villagers who previously spent an average of 55 minutes a day fetching water now report spending only 12 minutes. The improvement has unlocked time for women and children to engage in education, livelihood work, and family care.

Water scarcity, once affecting 46 percent of the surveyed households, now affects only four percent. This shift came through multiple interventions, including community ponds, rainwater harvesting systems, rehabilitated wells, and irrigation tools such as sprinkler systems. Farmers in the area now use water more efficiently and report better control over crop planning.
Beyond water, the project included village infrastructure work such as all-weather roads, school renovations, and sanitation improvements. These upgrades have increased mobility, reduced dropout rates in schools, and improved access to health services.

The health outcomes were notable. Families reported fewer water-borne diseases and a reduction in household medical expenses. The CRISIL study indicated a sixty percent improvement in overall health, based on self-reported changes observed since the start of the intervention.
Ambuja Foundation’s work avoided one-time support models. Instead, it focused on building community-led systems. Water user committees were formed in each village to take responsibility for maintenance and governance. Local volunteers received training to manage usage and report issues. The goal was to make water a community-managed asset rather than a corporate donation.

The next phase of the program will focus on expanding rainwater harvesting coverage and scaling sustainable irrigation practices. Farmers will be introduced to crop diversification linked to water availability. Local leaders and women’s groups will be trained to integrate water planning into village-level development processes.
Ambuja Foundation is the CSR arm of Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Group. The foundation operates in several Indian states, delivering initiatives in agriculture, health, education, and livelihood enhancement. Its programs in Chhattisgarh are adapted to the ecological and socio-economic needs of tribal and remote areas.

Ambuja Cements is one of India’s leading building material companies and a part of the Adani Group. The group’s corporate responsibility strategy focuses on sustainable infrastructure, environmental resilience, and inclusive development. In regions like Baloda Bazar, the group aims to create lasting impact through local partnerships and data-backed planning.
The use of third-party verification through CRISIL sets this project apart. It not only confirms infrastructure delivery but also tracks how daily life has shifted. Families reported more time for work, greater participation in Gram Sabha meetings, and a shift from water-related coping to long-term planning.

The Ambuja Foundation continues to support village committees, collect real-time data on water usage, and maintain contact with each community. These feedback systems help ensure that assets are maintained and continue to deliver outcomes without requiring repeated external funding.
For the people of Baloda Bazar, water access is no longer dependent on season or emergency support. It is now a managed system that serves their health, their crops, and their future.
The work done here is not framed around charity or announcement. It is based on implementation, maintenance, and verifiable change. For Ambuja Cements and its foundation, this program represents a practical model of rural investment, focused on resources that are valued and used by the people themselves.

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