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Check dams built by UltraTech benefit farmers in Jhaprahwa and Billi Markundi villages in Sonbhadra district
A check dam constructed by Dalla Cement Works, an integrated manufacturing unit of UltraTech Cement Limited, in Jhaprahwa village of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, has benefited nearly 200 farmers. The 16‑metre‑long drum check dam, built by the unit’s CSR team, has improved water availability in the village, enabling reliable irrigation and improved crop yields.
The UltraTech unit initiated the project in May 2025 as part of its ongoing efforts to improve water availability in Jhaprahwa and nearby villages. These communities have long faced chronic water scarcity and soil erosion due to erratic rainfall and the lack of effective water‑retention structures. Working closely with local authorities and the community, the unit CSR team completed the project within 28 days, ahead of the monsoon season in 2025. The check dam helps to conserve 15–20 lakh litres of water annually, supporting groundwater recharge and improving moisture retention in the local ecosystem.
Before undertaking this check dam, the UltraTech unit had implemented a similar water‑conservation intervention in Billi Markundi village, Sonbhadra district, in 2024. The 12‑metre‑long check dam constructed there enables the conservation of approximately 11–12 lakh litres of water annually, creating irrigation potential for over 30 acres of farmland.
The two check dams have helped farmers in both these villages to transition to double cropping, with raised groundwater levels improving crop productivity and enabling crop diversification in line with market needs.
Designed to align with local terrain and seasonal water flows, the check dams retain rainwater and reduce surface runoff. This has improved groundwater recharge and soil moisture, moderated local climatic conditions, and supported vegetation and biodiversity. In addition, over 18,000 villagers across both villages benefit from access to fresh water for several months beyond the monsoon, reducing reliance on external sources and meeting household and livestock water needs.
UltraTech’s water management initiatives are based on its belief that water is a critical resource, essential for business operations as well as the wellbeing of community and biodiversity. In line with this belief, UltraTech’s water management efforts span areas within and beyond its fence. These include its manufacturing premises as well as the communities in which it operates. In its communities, these efforts take shape through water conservation initiatives and integrated watershed projects. In FY25, UltraTech cumulatively achieved over 120 million cubic metres of water conservation including interventions both in its operations and in the local communities. UltraTech attained 4.9 times water positive status in FY25, in line with its stated ambitions.
Seven of UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing units across India implement integrated community watershed projects. These initiatives adopt a holistic approach to water conservation and rural livelihood sustainability, taking into account local rainfall patterns to maximise rainwater harvesting potential. Through these efforts, UltraTech has facilitated the creation of rainwater harvesting structures with a cumulative capacity of 16.2 million cubic metres. In addition, over 80 million cubic metres of water was harvested across its plants and mines in FY25. The Company also promotes water-efficient irrigation practices in agri-oriented villages, enabling sustainable water usage at the community level.
UltraTech undertakes its social initiatives under the aegis of The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development with Mrs. Rajashree Birla as its Chairperson. UltraTech’s CSR focus areas are education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, community infrastructure and social causes. UltraTech reaches out to more than 1.8 million beneficiaries in over 500 villages in 16 states across India.
