BRIDGESTONE INDIA CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT’S VISION FOR DROUGHT-FREE STATE

Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd. (Bridgestone India), a group company of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, today announced its association with the Government of Maharashtra’s integrated water conservation and management initiative ‘Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan’, and conducted de-silting and widening of water streams at Audar village, Khed-Taluka in Pune district. This work will contribute to the village by increasing the water reserves by more than 10,000 meter³. This will benefit over 1,400 families, including certain tribal population, by significantly improving the quality of life in these downtrodden areas.

This environmental initiative will contribute towards the Maharashtra Government’s vision of becoming a drought-free state by 2019.

Bridgestone India decided to initiate water conservation work in Audar village, as it has been identified by local Government authorities as one of the 15 most water-scarce villages in Khed Taluka. The area is experiencing a major migration due to poor water availability, with approximately 40% of its population migrating to urban areas in search of better livelihood. We believe the initiative undertaken will improve the conditions of residents in the affected region. Consequently, this activity will sustainably raise the ground water table, resulting in better retention of water for agricultural and domestic use, better channelizing of rain water in the main stream, and raising the water level in the wells.

“The drought situation in Maharashtra is extremely serious and required a rapid response. Bridgestone India will contribute to bringing much-needed relief not only for agricultural activities, but also to improve the daily lives of the villagers in this drought affected area,” said Mr. Ajay Sevekari, Director-Bridgestone India Private Limited. “As a socially and environmentally conscious organization, Bridgestone India believes in encompassing development and growth through social projects for the society as a whole. We are grateful to the government of Maharashtra for giving us this opportunity to serve the needy and support the betterment of the underprivileged.”

Mr.  Himmatrao Kharade, SDO, Khed remarked, “The State of Maharashtra has been working tirelessly towards the betterment of the drought affected areas and we are delighted to have Bridgestone India support our initiative.”

Mr. Gabaji Hojage, Villager from Audar stated, “I appreciate and wholeheartedly thank on behalf of my fellow villagers for the efforts and commitment that Bridgestone India is putting in for the betterment of our drought affected village. This initiative will help the villagers in long run to address the water crisis, generate livelihood & reduce migration”.

Bridgestone India believes it is their responsibility to participate in the wellbeing of society, which leads to development of the nation. Through this contribution, Bridgestone India aims to assist the Government in building a drought-free Maharashtra.