news releases

New Delhi, 18th June, 2010: Coca-Cola India and Enrich Agro Foods Private Limited, the franchise bottling partner of Coca-Cola in India in partnership with the NGO, FORCE and the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Gangotri Enclave, today launched the construction activity for a 66-lakh-litre Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) project at Gangotri Enclave - B Block, Alaknanda. The project is expected to be completed in next two months. This initiative takes forward the spirit of public-private partnership and builds on the FORCE-COCA-COLA water conservation initiative under the 'JAL BEEMA ABHIYAAN.'

Present at the special ceremony today were Shri Virendra Kasana, Ex- Municipal Councillor, I.D. Pandey, President, RWA, Gangotri Enclave- Pocket B, Vijay Sharda, General Manager, Enrich Agro Private limited, Ms. Jyoti Sharma, President, FORCE, and Praveen Aggarwal, General Manager, CSR & Sustainability, Coca-Cola India.

Speaking at the function, Shri Virender Kasana, Ex-Municipal Councillor, said, "It is heartening to see path breaking initiatives being taken by many NGOs & corporates in the realm of water management . With this project we have covered most of Alaknanda area with RWH systems with help of Coca-Cola India. Rain Water Harvesting has emerged as a viable option to redirect rainwater into the ground, which otherwise goes waste. I hope that we see more such examples of private-public partnership in the area of water conservation and recharging ground water. I congratulate Residents Welfare Association of Gangotri Enclave, FORCE and Coca-Cola India for the wonderful initiative that will not only ensure sustainable water resource for people but also aware the youth about importance of water conservation.I have also requested Coca-Cola and FORCE to have an impact analysis of RWH system, which would help further educate people and may be even an useful instrument for policy changes"

I.D. Pandey, President, RWA, Gangotri Enclave- Pocket B,said we laud efforts made by Coca-Cola, Enrich and FORCE to launch the project in shortest possible time. This team not only provided financial support but gave us a 'one window solution' including design and implementation. Toady we are taking pledge to conserve every drop of water and maintain these structures in perpetuity.

According to Jyoti Sharma, President, FORCE, "Our fresh water resources are limited. However, every citizen of the country can today make a difference through responsible behavior coupled with increased awareness. It is imperative that each building, school, markets, hotels etc adopt rain water harvesting structures that would redirect rainwater into the ground. In Delhi, in partnershoip with Coca-Cola and its Bottlers –Moon Beverages and Enrich Agro, we already have over 35 RWAs in Delhi that have utilized RWH techniques to their advantage and are conserving over 150 million litres of water every year."

According to Praveen Aggarwal, General Manager, CSR & Sustainability, Coca-Cola India, "Water stewardship remains a priority for Coca-Cola in India and around the world. In Coca-Cola, we pursue a 3R program of Reduce, Recycle, and Replenish as our mantra for water conservation. Water Conservation and Environment management today require a participative and collaborative approach.RWH projects are helping in conserving water, stabilize oe even increase the water tables, increase yield in borewells and improved access to water. It is important that each member of the society contributes in his/her own way towards the cause of environment sustainability and I want to thank FORCE, Enrich Agro Private Limited and Gangotri Residents Welfare Association for their support and look for the speedy completion of this project."

Over the years Coca-Cola India has been involved in rainwater harvesting projects to protect, preserve and enhance the environment. In the Capital, the Company has initiated a large number of rainwater harvesting projects in partnership with local NGOs and State Ground Water Departments. Over the years Coca-Cola and its bottling partners have been involved in rainwater harvesting projects to protect, preserve and enhance the environment. The Company has installed more than 500 RWH structures in 22 states of the country for the cause of water management.