UltraTech’s community watershed project in Madhya Pradesh revives biodiversity and boosts rural livelihoods

UltraTech has reported encouraging biodiversity and livelihood outcomes from its long-running community watershed development initiative conducted by its integrated cement manufacturing unit Vikram Cement Works at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh.

A biodiversity study conducted in January 2025 in the Chitakheda region of Neemuch district shows striking ecological improvements catalysed through UltraTech’s watershed development programme. With increased water availability on account of the watershed management project implemented by UltraTech in the area, the vegetation has flourished, green cover has increased significantly, and over 20 species of birds - including Red-wattled Lapwings, Grey Francolins, and White-throated Kingfishers - have now been observed after several years. Waterholes created through anicuts have since become thriving habitats for Nilgai, Palm Squirrels, Golden Jackals, and Wild Cats. Notably, diverse aquatic and moisture-loving flora have reappeared, improving the region’s moisture regime. Successful community-led protection of the Chainpura-ka-Magra forest has ensured prevention of forest fires as well as logging incidents over the past five years.

The project was launched in 2010 with a 'capacity building phase’, where activities for awareness creation, community participation, formation of watershed committees and training & exposure visits were undertaken. This phase lasted for two years and community support was key to successful implementation of the project.

The project was executed by UltraTech under a public-private partnership with the government of Madhya Pradesh under the ‘Government of India Watershed Management Scheme’. UltraTech served as both a knowledge partner and implementing partner besides bearing around 10% of the total project cost. The construction of the watershed structures commenced in 2012. A total of 67 water harvesting structures, including 65 check dams, two farm ponds, and several hectares of continuous contour trench, were built across five villages: Chainpura, Pipliya Jagir, Kanpura, Dhamniya Jagir, and Ghasundi Jagir. The project was designed to address deep-rooted challenges such as water scarcity and rapidly depleting groundwater, which had worsened corelated issues including deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of livelihood opportunities which led the local community to be dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

In addition to enhancing biodiversity, the programme has positively impacted agriculture and local livelihoods. Improved soil fertility and enhanced water retention capacity has enabled farmers to diversify into Rabi and high-value crops such as chia, garlic, wheat, mustard, methi, and ajwain. Check dams have helped retain water for up to three months post-monsoon, benefiting both crop cycles and wildlife. Community training in sustainable agricultural practices has further reduced dependence on forest resources, creating a self-sustaining cycle of conservation and productivity.

Local communities have been actively involved throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and construction to maintenance. This participative approach of the project since inception in 2010 fostered a strong sense of community ownership thus ensuring long-term sustainability. In 2019, local communities in these five villages took full ownership of the project enabling long term sustenance. UltraTech continues to provide critical need-based support. Forest officials and local residents alike have noted improved ecological resilience and enhanced quality of life in these villages.

This initiative aligns with UltraTech’s Biodiversity Policy and its broader commitment to achieve “No Net Loss” of biodiversity by 2050. The company recognises water as a shared resource that is vital for both ecosystems and communities. As of FY25, UltraTech has achieved over 120 million cubic meters of water conservation and is 4.9 times water positive, driven in part by such community-led watershed programmes.

The initiative reinforces UltraTech’s integrated approach to sustainability, where environmental stewardship, water security, and livelihood generation go hand-in-hand to create long-term, meaningful impact to the community.