Bridgestone India undertakes CSR initiative with Maharashtra government

Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone India has announced its association with the government of Maharashtra’s integrated water conservation and management initiative ‘Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan’.

In line with this programme, the company has conducted de-silting and widening of water streams at Audar village, Khed-Taluka in Pune district. This work will contribute to the village by increasing the water reserves by more than 10,000 meter³. This will benefit over 1,400 families, including certain tribal population, by significantly improving the quality of life in these downtrodden areas.

This environmental initiative will contribute towards the Maharashtra Government’s vision of becoming a drought-free state by 2019. 

Bridgestone India says it chose to initiate water conservation work in Audar village, as it has been identified by local government authorities as one of the 15 most water-scarce villages in Khed Taluka. The area is experiencing a major migration due to poor water availability, with approximately 40 percent of its population migrating to urban areas in search of better livelihood. The water conservation effort will help to sustainably raise the ground water table, resulting in better retention of water for agricultural and domestic use, better channelising of rain water in the main stream, and also raising of the water level in wells.

“The drought situation in Maharashtra is extremely serious and required a rapid response. Bridgestone India will contribute to bringing much-needed relief not only for agricultural activities, but also to improve the daily lives of the villagers in this drought affected area,” said Ajay Sevekari, director, Bridgestone India. “As a socially and environmentally conscious organization, Bridgestone India believes in encompassing development and growth through social projects for society as a whole.”

Himmatrao Kharade, SDO, Khed, said: “The state of Maharashtra has been working tirelessly towards the betterment of the drought affected areas and we are delighted to have Bridgestone India support our initiative.”

Gabaji Hojage, a villager from Audar, added, “On behalf of my fellow villagers, I appreciate and wholeheartedly thank the efforts and commitment that Bridgestone India is putting in for the betterment of our drought-affected village. This initiative will help the villagers in the long run to address the water crisis, generate livelihood and reduce migration.”