COCA-COLA INDIA and Ludhiana Beverages celebrate world water day in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, March 23, 2013: As part of its weeklong celebrations marking the World Water Day, Coca-Cola India today came together with Ludhiana Beverages Pvt. Ltd. to celebrate the day in Ludhiana. Over the past 10 years, Coca-Cola has reaffirmed its commitment towards water management and sustainability by actively participating in the celebrations of this landmark day through initiatives across the country. The dedication is a step forward on Coca-Cola’s commitment towards community level involvement to address and create awareness of water issues being faced by the people.

The celebrations started with the promotion of water conservation in the city with two trucks, painted with messages on water conservation, driven across the streets and distribution of leaflets and brochures in malls and universities. The celebrations also included activities such as poster painting, a quiz competition on water conservation and a slogan competition among employees.

These nationwide Coca-Cola celebrations will go on to touch the lives of thousands of people and are in tandem with the United Nation’s commemoration of 2013 as International Year of Water Cooperation. Present at the event were R.B. Khanna, Member of Managing Committee, BCM, Schools of Hero Group and S.D. Chhabra from Ludhiana Beverages Pvt. Ltd.

Appreciating the efforts undertaken for the initiative, Chief Guest R.B. Khanna, Member of Managing Committee, BCM, Schools of Hero Group said, “It is important to create awareness of the role water plays in our lives and the steps we can take to encourage its sustainability. Each of us is responsible to preserve water for our future generations. These celebrations are bringing people together, especially children, for this worthy cause. I would like to congratulate Coca-Cola India and Ludhiana Beverages for all their hard work and commitment towards water sustainability in Ludhiana.”

Speaking about Coca-Cola India’s water sustainability efforts, K.K. Goenka, Chairman, Ludhiana Beverages Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Ludhiana Beverages, we have always been aware of the role water plays in the communities in which we operate. As our country develops, there is an inevitable rise in demand for water. It is our responsibility to put forth all our resources to ensure the preservation of groundwater. India is the first country in The Coca-Cola Company system to reach a ‘net zero balance’ with respect to groundwater usage, in 2010. With this commitment, we have today come together to celebrate World Water Day with weeklong celebrations across the country. I am thankful to all the partners for coming together to complete this project.”

Over the years, Coca-Cola India and its bottling partners have been involved in a number of water replenishment initiatives in the country,  including the setting up of rainwater harvesting projects, rejuvenation of traditional water bodies and restoration of ponds and lakes, drip irrigation projects, check dams and more.