As part of its CSR initiative, Parivartan, HDFC Bank has launched a Digital campaign #WaterWonders to celebrate World Water Day. The campaign emphasizes the importance of water conservation, while highlighting innovative measures of achieving it. Aligned with global and domestic efforts to combat climate change and protect vital resources, the Bank is committed to improving water conservation through initiatives such as watershed development, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation systems.
Across India in places like Ladakh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana & Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Sikkim, Parivartan has constructed over 14,360 water conservation structures as part of its comprehensive water management efforts and to build climate-resilient agriculture.
These projects focus on mobilising communities to restore degraded landscapes and ecosystems. Water availability is enhanced through check dams, gabion structures, improved irrigation infrastructure and soil and rainwater harvesting. In addition to improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods, these efforts empower women and strengthen community well-being.
Innovative solutions such as drone-based irrigation are further transforming water efficiency, ensuring precision watering while reducing consumption and crop damage. By March 31, 2025, HDFC Bank Parivartan aims to bring two lakh acres of unirrigated land under irrigation, enhancing water access for farmers and mitigating water scarcity.
One of the standout projects within this initiative is the adoption of the ice stupas. The Bank has partnered to scale up the Ice Stupa projects in Ladakh, a region facing water shortages due to climate change. The initiatives undertaken by HDFC Bank Parivartan in Ladakh, as in several other locations, are examples of how local challenges need locally tailored solutions.
Ice Stupas are artificial glaciers that work by diverting stream water during winter that freezes it into cone-shaped structures. As they melt during the spring, they provide a steady supply of water for agriculture. To further enhance their effectiveness, automation technology is now being integrated to regulate water flow, optimise ice formation, and monitor weather patterns in real time. This enables water management, and makes the Ice Stupa solution impactful in mitigating climate change effects, promoting water security and supporting local economies.
With support from HDFC Bank Parivartan, four new Ice Stupas serving seven villages have been built for the winter season of 2024-25 with a storage capacity of over 20 million litres of water. A total of seven stupas in Ladakh have been supported by HDFC Bank through its implementation partners.
“The Ice Stupas have proven to be an effective solution for water management in Ladakh. They not only provide a reliable water source but also help communities cope with the effects of climate change" said Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR, HDFC Bank. "As part of HDFC Bank Parivartan, we are committed to supporting innovative solutions that address climate challenges and water scarcity, blending traditional wisdom with modern sustainability practices.”
