PRIF launches Project Samridhi – Water Stewardship and Improving Farm Livelihood in Behror Block, Alwar

Alwar, Rajasthan. Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) in collaboration with S M Sehgal Foundation (Sehgal Foundation) has launched its philanthropic project “Samridhi” in Behror block, of Alwar, Rajasthan.

The project seeks to capture, conserve and harvest rainwater with the construction of watershed structures, improve farm livelihoods to bring prosperity to more than 8000 villagers around the plant, through the promotion of water-saving agriculture practices; and digital literacy and life skills education for youth.

The project targets Goal 1 and Goal 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) i.e. No Poverty and Clean Water and Sanitation respectively.

On May 10, water management structures in villages Maharajawas and Lakshiwas were handed over to the community in the presence of villagers and representatives from PRIF and Sehgal Foundation. Project Samridhi is an integrated three-year project benefiting five villages of Karoda, Antpura, Untoli, Banhad, and Maharajawas, leading to Water Stewardship and Improving Farm Livelihoods.

The project will create and rejuvenate ponds for surface water storage that can be used by communities for domestic, irrigation and animal husbandry purposes; create groundwater recharge structures viz; nullah bunds and recharge wells; construct soak wells for wastewater management and groundwater recharge; promote water-saving irrigation practices; and facilitate digital literacy and life skills education classes. Community engagement will be an integral part of the project with continuous capacity building and training.

According to Sunil Duggal, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Pernod Ricard India, “We realize that our business relies on this limited and precious natural resource and we are committed to using these resources responsibly and preserving them for future generations. Recharging the depleting groundwater and aquifers is paramount to our commitment, and we continuously strive to increase our water footprint”

Anjali Makhija, Chief Operating Officer, Sehgal Foundation shared, “Emphasis will be laid on organizing community members into a gram sangathan that will be trained to ensure the sustainability of the physical assets and social capital created during the course of the project.”