HDFC Bank’s CSR initiative, Parivartan, is marking World Water Day with a digital campaign #WaterWonders, highlighting the importance of water conservation and innovative measures to address water scarcity. The bank is committed to improving water conservation through initiatives such as watershed development, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation systems. Through its community-based projects, Parivartan has constructed over 14,360 water conservation structures across 20 states in India, enhancing water availability and improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
One of the notable projects is the adoption of ice stupas, artificial glaciers that work by diverting stream water into cone-shaped structures that melt during the spring, providing a steady supply of water for agriculture. HDFC Bank has partnered to scale up ice stupa projects in Ladakh, a region facing severe water shortages due to climate change. The projects are designed to address the region’s specific challenges, with automation technology now being integrated to regulate water flow, optimize ice formation, and monitor weather patterns in real-time.
The bank has supported the construction of four new ice stupas in Ladakh, serving seven villages and having a storage capacity of over 20 million liters of water. In total, seven stupas have been supported by HDFC Bank through its implementation partners. Nusrat Pathan, Head of CSR at HDFC Bank, said, “The ice stupas have proven to be an effective solution for water management in Ladakh, providing a reliable water source and helping communities cope with the effects of climate change.” The bank is committed to supporting innovative solutions that address climate challenges and water scarcity, blending traditional wisdom with modern sustainability practices, as part of its Parivartan initiative.