BASF India and Naam Foundation Farm Pond Inauguration

Mumbai, Maharashtra – August 03, 2024: Water is the source of life and millions in India face the harsh reality of water scarcity every day. To improve the conditions for the communities in Bhindi, Ambala and Waranga Masai, BASF India Limited and NAAM Foundation collaborated over a water conservation project where existing water bodies have been widened and innovative water conservation and rainwater harvesting systems are implemented.

The significant project was caried out in association with NAAM Foundation, a renowned NGO funded by the popular actors Mr. Nana Patekar and Mr. Makarand Anaspure, which has the rich experience of working with over 1030 water- scarce villages and assisting them in conserving water, improving water tables and affectively harvesting rainwater. The project included construction of farm ponds and water conservation work in the three villages. The project implementation was greeted with enthusiastic participation and support from the village communities. The project included deepening and widening of water canal by 3 km in Bhingi, rejuvenation of percolation tank in Ambala and construction of farm pond along with deepening and widening of water canal in Waranga Masai. These measures have successfully built access to clean water resources, creating a reliable supply of water for the villages.

Today to inaugurate the handover of the project and its resources to the local community, a hand-over event was held and attended by Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India; Sunita Sule, Head of CSR and Country Development, BASF India; Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions India, along with Malhar Patekar, Co-founder and Director of NAAM Foundation. 

Speaking about the project, Alexander Gerding said: “We are delighted to hand over this impactful water conservation project in association with the NAAM Foundation, to the community of beneficiaries. Access to clean and sustainable water is a fundamental right for all individuals. As always, BASF India remains committed to supporting projects that promote sustainable development in water conservation, to create a positive impact on the communities that we operate in. This partnership with the NAAM Foundation aligns perfectly with our commitment. The hand-over of this successful project symbolizes our shared vision and dedication towards creating a water-secure future. I hope more villages get inspired by the success of this project and join the movement in building better water access for themselves in the near future.  ” 

Malhar Patekar commented on the project: “The NAAM Foundation has always been dedicated to addressing the water crisis and working towards water conservation in water-scarce regions. We are grateful for the partnership with BASF India, which shares our vision of a water-secure future. Together, we will make a significant difference in the lives of the people in these three villages, helping them combat water scarcity and build a sustainable future. I hope this project inspires more villages in the vicinity to work together and conserve water”

"Farming is the biggest job on Earth, and we understand the importance of water in farming, and believe that access to clean and sustainable water is crucial for agricultural communities. This partnership with the NAAM Foundation not only aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and water conservation, but also aims to positively impact the lives of thousands of farming families in Maharashtra. By creating a water-secure future, we hope to support farmers in their efforts to sustainably cultivate the land and contribute to the growth of their communities,” said Giridhar Ranuva.