The Coca-Cola India Foundation, Anandana, has released a video series under its ‘Refreshing Difference’ campaign, documenting its water conservation efforts in Rajasthan’s Sikar district. The series shares accounts from residents in six villages where traditional water systems have been restored in collaboration with the Social Action for Rural Advancement (SARA).
The initiative aims to address long-standing water scarcity in the region, where the average annual rainfall is around 550 mm and water sources have been affected by high fluoride levels. The project includes the construction of check dams, pond restoration, and groundwater recharge systems, covering the villages of Rajpura, Balyawas, Karad, Khora, Dungri Khurd, and Chhota Narena.
Over the past ten years, the work has reached more than 18,000 residents and contributed to improved access to drinking water, agricultural output, and support for livestock.
The video series features personal accounts from community members:
- Kamlesh Devad, a sarpanch, describes expanding water access in six villages
- Shravan Lal Ghayal explains the impact of a recharged pond on his village’s groundwater and animals
- Lala Ram Punya discusses how check dams have supported farming activities
Mota Ram, Director, Social Action for Rural Advancement (SARA), said, “What makes this project different is not just the structures we built, but the mindset we helped shift. We worked with communities. Families contributed, some gave ₹100, some gave labour, others gave land. That ownership changed everything. We insisted on equal pay for women, trained them as barefoot engineers, and helped form Village Development Committees that now manage the water systems themselves. Even nine years after project completion, they’re still maintaining, adapting, and innovating. With the support from Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, we created more than just recharge structures, we created local stewards of sustainability.”
Kamlesh Devad, Sarpanch of Laxmipura, said, “The check dams constructed in Laxmipura, Rajpura, and Nausal through the efforts of SARA and Anandana, have transformed our villages. Rainwater now stays, recharging wells and ponds, and providing much-needed water for both farming and livestock. Earlier, our cattle struggled during dry spells. But now, they drink from the ponds revived by this initiative. Farmers are seeing better yields, and the entire village benefits. These structures haven’t just conserved water; they’ve strengthened our way of life and supported livelihoods.”
Rajiv Gupta, Director, Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, “Water is fundamental to thriving communities and resilient ecosystems. In Rajasthan, our interventions focus on restoring traditional water systems and building local infrastructure that strengthens long-term water security. Through the ‘Refreshing Difference’ campaign, we are deepening our commitment to water stewardship in the state, supporting agricultural sustainability, community health, and climate resilience. Our partnership with organisations like SARA is part of a broader effort to empower local communities and drive meaningful, lasting change across high-need regions.”
The initiative is part of Coca-Cola India’s ‘Refreshing Difference’ campaign, which focuses on promoting water stewardship in partnership with grassroots organisations. Anandana has supported nearly 20 projects across 13 cities in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk, Sikar, Sawai Madhopur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Baran, Alwar, Nagaur, Karauli, Beawar, and Kishangarh. These projects have aimed to improve water availability for agriculture, domestic use, and local ecosystems.
