Reaching the highest worldwide standard for water management, multi-business conglomerate ITC Limited has awarded two of its advanced units in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, the prestigious Platinum-Level AWS (Alliance for Water Stewardship) Certification. Furthermore, ITC received a unique Leadership Level “A” score for Water Security from CDP, a well-known nonprofit that encourages participation on international environmental issues.
Following the company’s 2022 success in earning the same distinction for its Foods Unit in Malur—which was acknowledged as Asia’s first food processing facility to obtain the certification—the AWS certifications for the Ranjangaon units have been granted. AWS certification was also attained by ITC’s Paperboards Unit in Kovai, making it the first location in India and the top paper mill globally.
The Integrated Foods facility in the Pune district of Ranjangaon underwent thorough community-level and on-site assessments in order to receive the prestigious AWS Certification. Among other well-known food product brands produced by this unit are Aashirvaad Atta, Bingo! snacks, and YiPPee! noodles. The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) is an international alliance made up of corporations, non-governmental organizations, and the government that works to protect regional water supplies.
The scope and influence of ITC’s broad initiatives, which guarantee a sustainable water supply and responsible usage within the facilities, are symbolized by these certifications. These initiatives go beyond the walls of factories to benefit nearby communities and stakeholders in the catchments by addressing water security. Notably, these actions have made the water in the Ghod river basin positive.
ITC facilitates the formation of Water User Groups (WUGs) for community-based participatory management of local water resources, in perfect harmony with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. This initiative targets small and marginal farmers.
The comprehensive water stewardship initiatives of ITC Ltd have been strengthened over time by S Sivakumar, Group Head of Agri, Sustainability, and Social Investment Programs. We will continue to push for the highest global certification at all of our sites by 2035, even in cases where there may be a future threat of a water shortage, as evidenced by the fact that four ITC facilities have already received the prestigious AWS framework’s platinum rating. ITC’s creative efforts, particularly to guarantee water security for all of our stakeholders, are further demonstrated by their inclusion on the CDP ‘A’ List for water security.
ITC’s Sustainability Program, which covers more than 15 lakh acres and benefits more than 4.40 lakh people, emphasizes a 360-degree approach to water stewardship and focuses on effective water management and conservation through watershed development initiatives.
In the long run, ITC hopes to reduce specific water consumption by 40% from the FY 2018–19 baseline and develop rainwater harvesting potential that is more than five times its net water consumption by 2030 as part of the Sustainability 2.0 agenda.
Fundamentally, ITC’s water stewardship journey establishes a standard for corporate responsibility and sustainable practices, opening the door to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
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