Water remains a serious concern globally. With the phenomenon of climate change only further aggravating water availability challenges, India faces a difficult and turbulent water future.

Not only are there serious supply threats to our major snow-fed rivers, like the Ganga and the Brahmaputra as a result of glacial melt, but there is also the direct threat of reduced agricultural outputs due to disruptions in monsoon patterns.

Agriculture accounts for around 90% of the total water consumption in India and the water problems of our country are worsened by the huge inequalities in geographical distribution, as well as by the fact that the entire monsoon rainfall happens over around a 12-week period.

Given these challenges, ITC is committed to conserve and manage this precious natural resource by adopting the following approach:

1. Water Conservation

Water audits, benchmarking and the use of best practices to achieve the lowest possible specific water consumption (water per unit of product).

2. Zero Effluent Discharge

Treating and progressing to achieve recycling of all waste water.

3. Water Positive Footprint

Enhancing our positive water footprint through rainwater harvesting, both within our own Units and across different watershed areas.

4. Water Availability

Ensuring the supply of satisfactory quality of water to neighbouring farmer communities during the non-monsoon period, so as to provide an alternative option to rain-fed agriculture.