STL Empowers Communities: Provides access to clean drinking water to 10,000+ Households in Aurangabad

Pune (Voice News Serice):  STL [NSE: STLTECH], a leading optical and digital solutions company, on this World Environment Day, shared the grassroots impact created  through its holistic water program. STL’s community-focused initiatives have significantly improved well-being in water-stressed areas near Aurangabad, by providing access to clean drinking water to over 10,000 households.

Water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure have long been challenges faced by many communities, particularly in rural areas. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, STL undertook construction and redevelopment of 90 water structures, including recharge shafts, wells and borewells, ensuring functionality and safety. Additionally, around 170 key decision-makers and women-led self-help groups completed capacity building programs by STL on water and resource management, enhancing their ability to contribute to climate-related decision making. Notably, 60% of participants were women from 36 villages, highlighting STL’s commitment to gender inclusivity and empowering women in local governance.

Villages such as Pandharpur, Bagtalab, Gandheli, Malkapur, Bhalgaon, etc. saw water levels in their wells improve by 5-10 feet.  STL has also facilitated drip and micro irrigation for ~160 hectares of land in these villages. This has improved water consumption by ~70% as compared to flood irrigation methods earlier used by farmers. “The water level in our wells had dropped to a worrisome 57-60 feet below the ground level, leaving us in desperate need of water for our farms. But thanks to STL’s water program, we now have access to clean drinking water in our very own houses. Our fields are flourishing, and our hopes have been reignited,” said Digambhar Tatyerao Pawar, a resident of Pimpri Khurd village. Ganesh Salunke, a farmer of Golatgaon village, emphasizing on the benefits of this water program said, “During the monsoon season, with limited rainfall, the check dam had minimal overflow, leaving us no choice but to buy water for agriculture. Thankfully, STL’s water program deepened the downstream nala, allowing rainwater to seep in and significantly improve water levels by 5-10 feet.”

Speaking about this program, Mrs Jyoti Agarwal, Managing Trustee of Sterlite Tech Foundation (STF), said: “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right but, in the drought-prone areas of Maharashtra, this right is often threatened, leaving communities in dire need. It is here, in Aurangabad, that our roots are firmly planted, as our 4 world-class manufacturing facilities call this place home. With the construction and redevelopment of 90 water structures and restoration of clean drinking water in 24 villages in Aurangabad, we are building a legacy of resilience, nourishing communities and empowering them with the life-giving force of water.”