Hinduja Foundation Revives Hannikallu Marsh: A Beacon Of Hope For Water Conservation In Coonoor

By Author: Mark B
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In a significant step towards promoting water conservation, the Hinduja Foundation (HF), the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, has successfully restored Hannikallu Marsh, a critical wetland in Wellington, Coonoor. This vital freshwater marsh, spanning over 12 acres, has been rejuvenated as part of HF’s flagship CSR program, Jal Jeevan, in collaboration with the Indian Army’s Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) and the Station HQ at Wellington.

The newly restored Eco Park was officially inaugurated by Mr. Paul Abraham, President of the Hinduja Foundation, alongside Brigadier SK Yadav, Commandant of the MRC, during a meaningful ceremony. Hannikallu Marsh, which has long been under pressure from human interference, including garbage dumping, encroachment, and sewage disposal, now stands revitalized. The wetland's restoration has led to the recharging of both shallow and deep groundwater aquifers, benefiting over 25,000 residents in the area by ensuring a steady water supply and reducing evaporation losses.

The restoration required extensive planning and effort. Care Earth Trust, the project’s NGO ...
... partner, conducted a comprehensive biodiversity assessment, identifying and removing invasive alien plant species from 33,167 square meters of the wetland. The area was subsequently rejuvenated by seeding healthy vegetation and creating islands to support local wildlife. The initiative also restored ten mountain springs that feed fresh water into Hannikallu Marsh and developed a 1.5 km-long peripheral walkway upstream. Furthermore, 2,000 cubic meters of earth was dredged, and a check dam was constructed to ensure the marsh's sustainability.

Ashok Leyland, a flagship company of the Hinduja Group, funded this critical restoration. Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Paul Abraham, President of the Hinduja Foundation, emphasized, "Water crisis is soon becoming a reality across India. According to government reports, by 2030, at least 40% of India’s 1.3 billion population may not have reliable access to drinking water. Our flagship cause, Water Stewardship, aims to save Every Drop."

Brigadier SK Yadav, Commandant of the Madras Regimental Centre, added, "This project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Amrit Sarovar to restore 75 water bodies in each district. The eco-park you see today was once a natural watershed with perennial streams, historically significant as a water point since the British era. With the invaluable support of Hinduja Foundation and other stakeholders, we have transformed this area into a thriving eco-park, symbolizing a commitment to rejuvenating our natural resources.”

Mr. Prakash Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation and Chairman of Hinduja Group, Europe, also expressed his thoughts on the project, stating, "At Hinduja Foundation, we believe in nurturing the environment for future generations. The restoration of Hannikallu Marsh is a testament to our dedication to water conservation and our belief that collective efforts can lead to a sustainable and prosperous future for all."

Under the Jal Jeevan program, the Hinduja Foundation has positively impacted over 4 million lives across 1,110 villages in India over the past five years. Among its many water conservation initiatives, the Foundation has enabled groundwater recharge equivalent to over 3.8 million water tankers and provided safe drinking water equating to 31 million jerry cans. The restoration of Hannikallu Marsh is a shining example of their ongoing commitment to preserving India's natural resources.

About Hinduja Foundation

Deeply rooted on the philanthropic principles of its Founder of Hinduja Group, Shri Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, this Foundation is a public charitable trust established first in Mumbai in 1968. In its 50 years of existence, with the guidance of the Hinduja Family and support from Hinduja Group companies, its global presence has led to the development in the fields of Education, Healthcare, Water Stewardship, Sustainable Rural Development, Social Welfare, Sports and Arts & Culture. It also works actively with the Group Companies in delivering an aligned approach to creating Social Impact.

About the Hinduja Group

The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerate. Employing about 200,000 employees, with a presence across 38 countries, it has a multi-billion-dollar revenue. The Group was founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja whose credo was "My duty (dharma) is to work so that I can give." The Group owns businesses in Mobility, Digital Technology, Banking and Financial Services, Media, Project Development, Lubricants and Specialty Chemicals, Energy, Real Estate, Trading, and Healthcare. The Group also supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.

For more information, you can read the full news article here (https://cirrus.co.in/cirrus/onlineArticleView.action?articleid=18202928924#).