Enabling Communities Through Developmental Interventions

Jamnalalji Bajaj believed that to uplift a community, regular interventions are essential. He took up the initiative to empower the people of Wardha, Maharashtra, which also happens to be the Headquarter of Gandhiji’s freedom struggle activities for nearly 10 years. And, developmental initiatives are being carried out through The Bajaj Foundation. A crucial thing to point out here, which proves this natural inclination towards people empowerment, is the fact that these interventions are beyond CSR activities since the group doesn’t have any business operations in the district.

"We have been undertaking such philanthropic activities for over a decade which we have now channelized towards water harvesting, agriculture, non-conventional energy sources and women’s empowerment with the active participation of the local community. Additionally, we follow the bottom-up approach so that the underprivileged can define their needs and unique model of development."

- Kushagra Bajaj (Chairman)

Water Resources Development Programme was introduced in Wardha. Under this innovative rainwater harvesting intervention, rivers/streams have been revived by deepening/de-silting and widening of long river beds. Check dams, group irrigation wells, lift irrigation projects, bori bundhs, farm ponds, recharge pit, roof rainwater harvesting structures have been constructed while wells and bore wells have also been recharged through rainwater.

• Water Harvesting helped by increasing the cropping intensity from 1 to 3 crops, river flow also increased from 4 to 8 month, and net income per acre grew from Rs. 14000 to Rs. 23000.
• Agriculture land and agrarian families received the benefits from underwater harvesting and agriculture development programme.
• Sustainable Agriculture Development through the promotion of integrated farming like horticulture, dairy farming and vegetable crops etc.
• Farmers have installed drip and sprinkler irrigation systems for efficient use of water.
• Promotion of Indigenous breed of cows supported to needy families.
• For the promotion of non-conventional energy sources, families have also constructed Biogas plants, a onetime investment and lifetime free cooking.
• Ensuring equitable development of society through women's empowerment. Foundation has promoted women's Self-Help Groups under which women have become members.

Looking at the impact of the development projects carried out by The Bajaj Foundation, the following organizations and government agencies have partnered with us for the benefit of the rural community –

• Tata Trusts, Government of Maharashtra
• National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD), Government of Maharashtra
• International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)
• Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA)
• Cotton Connect
• Riverside School

Recognition received for the efforts of the Foundation –

Confederation of Indian Industries CII has awarded: "National Award for Excellence in Water Management – Beyond the Fence 2010”

FICCI has also awarded: "National Water Awards 2012 for Excellence in Water Management and Conservation."