New Delhi: Shraman Jha, CEO of Hindustan Unilever Foundation, discussed the critical issue of water scarcity during his special address at the Unchartered Water Conclave held in New Delhi. Jha stressed the projections that suggested urban areas may face a 50% shortfall in freshwater needs within the next decade or two. He also talked about how water connects our lives, playing a crucial role in agriculture and everyday urban activities such as showering.
“Fresh thinking, fresh ideas, and new cutting-edge startup technologies are what will make a big difference in finding some big solutions,” Jha affirmed. He pointed out that even though not all ideas succeed, a few impactful ones can have a big impact. He gave examples of how technology, like mobile phones and OTP authentication, has greatly changed our lives.
Jha mentioned Hindustan Unilever Foundation’s ongoing dedication to water sustainability, which began before any legal requirements, and their initiative to provide long-lasting solutions for water problems.
Jha also acknowledged the foundation’s partnerships with Villgro and Google to support startup ideas and host hackathons for innovative solutions and praised the variety of stakeholders at the conclave, including policymakers, farmers, startups, and civil society representatives.
Villgro’s programs include precision irrigation solutions and groundwater management initiatives, demonstrating tangible results and potential impact. In the near future, these programs intend to reduce pressure on land and water systems and make smallholder farmers climate resilient.
