Cocacola announces new water stewardship projects

As a part of its Water Stewardship efforts, Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal has announce\d four new projects for the year 2023-2024 including the rejuvenation of Baisdhara in Balaju Park, and WASH systems as well as Rain Water Harvesting & Groundwater recharge projects in Pokhara and Bharatpur. These water stewardship projects are being launched with the support of Coca-Cola Nepal. “These projects are strong commitment towards its 2030 Water Security Strategy which focuses on increasing water security through a context-based approach of water replenishment, advocacy for smart water policies, and responsible water use across our operations and supply chain,” reads a press release issued by Cocacola Nepal.

Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal is partnering with Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD) with technical support from WaterAid Nepal, for a groundwater recharge project which will help in the rejuvenation of the dried stone spouts in Baishdhara- Balaju Park, reads the press release.

The project includes installation of recharge trench (Rain Garden), 21 recharge wells, slope protection and Surface/Underdrainage work. The project aims to replenish 30,000 KL per annum from the forest and park area which will help address the increased demand for urban water. Through this joint effort, the project should not only help maintain the groundwater table of the peripheral areas but also help make communities and local authorities aware of the types of initiatives that can help communities cope with acute water shortage due to rapid urbanization.

“Partnerships and collaboration are absolutely necessary for us to accelerate progress to meet the commitments and targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. Innovations and crucial initiatives such as ones supported by the Coca Cola system to drive Water Stewardship help us move closer to that Goal,” shared Tripti Rai, Country Director of WaterAid Nepal.

Likewise, another project with Splash Nepal will be established in four different locations across Bharatpur to establish rain water harvesting system and provide safe drinking water to school going children in four different public schools. In Kathmandu, Splash Nepal will help establish a drinking filtration unit within a Child Care facility of the Balaju Industrial District.