Mumbai, February 4, 2025 – Tata Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to restore 1000 water bodies across more than 20 districts in the state. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to water conservation and rural development.
In 2024, Tata Motors successfully rejuvenated 356 water bodies, adding approximately 7000 million litres of water storage capacity across 10 districts. This effort was implemented through the Gal Mukt Dharan Gal Yukt Shivar Yojana, a community-driven de-siltation program in collaboration with Maharashtra’s Soil and Water Conservation Department, NAAM Foundation, and local communities.
Building on this success, Tata Motors now aims to expand the initiative to over 20 districts, including the water-scarce regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada. The targeted districts include Amravati, Latur, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Nanded, Parbhani, Akola, Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, Dharashiv, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ahilya Nagar, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, Palghar, and Thane. The NAAM Foundation will continue to serve as the implementation partner for this large-scale water conservation effort.
Key Stakeholder Insights
Vinod Kulkarni, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Tata Motors, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and NAAM Foundation. The restoration of 356 water bodies in 2024 has motivated us to expand our reach, aiming to improve water accessibility and agricultural sustainability across the state.”
Priya Khan, Officer on Special Duty at the Chief Minister’s Office, emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying, “The ‘Gal Mukt Dharan, Gal Mukt Shivar Yojana’ has evolved into a people’s movement. With partners like Tata Motors and NAAM Foundation, we are not just restoring water bodies, but also enhancing resilience against droughts and water scarcity.”
Ganesh Thorat, CEO of NAAM Foundation, highlighted the progress made since 2015, stating, “Our collaboration with Tata Motors and the Government of Maharashtra marks a crucial milestone. Last year, our efforts extended across ten districts, and we are excited to expand further.”
Impact and Future Goals
In 2024, the partnership resulted in the excavation of approximately 60 lakh cubic meters of silt across 10 districts, benefiting 7,000 farmers and significantly improving groundwater levels. The program has also enhanced soil fertility by supporting farmers with preapproved funds for silt transportation to their fields.
The initiative aligns with Tata Motors’ broader commitment to sustainable development and rural upliftment, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to India’s environmental and economic progress.
Source: TATA Motors PR
