Ambuja Cement Shows the Way in Water Stewardship
The Ambuja Cement Ltd. has continued to scale up its efforts towards conserving water resources as part of its commitment towards sustainable development. The Company has been working to build more robust and effective water resource management approaches in and around its operation areas so as to conserve water resource amidst growing global water scarcity.
Aligned with its Group LafargeHolcim’s Sustainable Development 2030 Plan covering Climate, Circular Economy, Water & Nature, and People & Communities; Ambuja Cement has already achieved 5.5 times Water Positive status – the highest in the industry in India – with its integrated plants in water-scarce Rajasthan and Gujarat clocking water index of 17.7 times and 12.7 times respectively. Internationally renowned external certification body DNV-GL has comprehensively evaluated the Company’s water management to accord this status.
Speaking on the Company’s commitment towards water management, Ambuja Cement MD & CEO Ajay Kapur said, “Since inception, Ambuja Cement has exhibited a great commitment towards water resource management. Over the years, we have not only reduced the water footprint of our operations but also promoted responsible water management in partnership with various government and other local stakeholders. In fact, Ambuja Cement has adopted a True Value approach – encompassing people, planet, and profit – which has given us further impetus to meet our Group’s Sustainability Development Strategy objectives.”
Ambuja Cement recycled 13% of water in 2017 and its operations continue to promote water conservation projects, land reclamation and push biodiversity action plans. All plants of Ambuja Cement send monthly Water Management Reports to the Corporate Office in Mumbai for information and discussion at regional as well as national executive committees. The Company uses Water Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to compare and improve its performance.
The Company’s holistic initiatives in the purview of water harvesting, groundwater recharge, water-efficient agro, drinking water depository creation and water use efficiency through its CSR arm Ambuja Cement Foundation has improved the quality of land and environment near its operation areas. Renovation of traditional water reservoirs, pond deepening, roof rainwater harvesting structures (RRWHS) and reverse osmosis plants, among others have changed the landscape in the regions besides improving the livelihoods and lifestyle of people.
Top image caption: Women in Rajasthan filling water from a pond deepened by Ambuja Cement Foundation.
