Continental Inaugurates Water Conservation Infra, A Step Towards Building A Sustainable Water Future

 

·       The watershed development program included the construction of a mini-reservoir, four check dams, and 500 trenches that conserve about 28,000,000 liters of water

·       The check dam project is part of the larger integrated rural development program, which commenced in January 2020 at the Anekal Taluk

·       “Water conservation is at the core of sustainable development. Sustainability is a key driver of innovation at Continental, and we are committed to safeguarding water as a resource.” – Prashanth Doreswamy, President & CEO, Continental India

As part of its sustainability commitment, technology company Continental today launched the water conservation infrastructure – one reservoir and four check dams - at Pearl Valley, Anekal. This will potentially address the water scarcity in the region and benefit the community immensely. Estimated to conserve about 28,000,000 liters of water, the large-scale project covers a geographical area of 2200 hectares, with a catchment area of 10.5 sq. kilometers and a command area of 4046 hectares. UnitedWay of Bengaluru was the implementation partner for this project fully funded by Continental.

Among the dignitaries present were Shri Gopinath Reddy, MLC, Bangalore Urban District, Shri Sangappa IAS, CEO - Bangalore Rural; and Shri R Srinivas, President - Vanakanahalli Gram Panchayat.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO, Continental India, said, “Water is a finite resource, and water conservation is at the core of sustainable development. Sustainability is a key driver of innovation at Continental. We are committed to safeguarding water as a resource, be it in operations across our plants by reducing consumption, recycling, or by supporting community needs through projects such as this. Water conservation positively impacts critical topics like socio-economic development and the creation of healthy and sustainable ecosystems. The multiplier effect is tremendous. We are honored to launch this project for the community.”

The check dam project has seven primary objectives:

1.     Regulation of water runoff and mitigation against flooding

2.     Optimal capture of rainwater and ensuring above surface storage

3.     Support flora and fauna to access water and help their safer habitat

4.     Mitigate human-animal conflict by making water available for animals within their safer habitat and avoid them from wandering off

5.     Ensure groundwater recharge in the valley

6.     Enhancement of natural, indigenous vegetation and biodiversity

7.     Positive impact on the eco-system in the pearl valley where the human, animal, and vegetative life can thrive

Continental’s Sustainability Goals

Continental recently launched the Net|Zero|Now program which enables customers with ambitious sustainability goals to neutralize the remaining carbon backpack of their relevant business with Continental. Sustainability forms the key driver of innovation in the company’s corporate strategy. The company’s sustainability ambition comprises four focus areas: carbon neutrality along the organization’s entire value chain, emission-free mobility and industry, a circular economy, and responsible value chains. The company aims to achieve this by 2050.

Continental India undertakes social responsibility initiatives through its CSR arm CONSCIENCE. In 2020, Continental began working with the gram panchayat of Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru, to implement sustainability initiatives in villages. These include soil and water conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, rooftop rainwater harvesting, entrepreneurial opportunities, and women's livelihood support, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In its other initiatives within CONSCIENCE, the company planted 150,000 trees across India to mark its 150th anniversary. Another notable initiative is its flagship program Women for Manufacturing. The program aims to empower and support women from underprivileged backgrounds to take up a career in manufacturing through structured skill development and training course works.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Continental has been present in India for close to 50 years through technology partnerships (Continental Tires since 1974) and joint ventures for its various businesses. Today, the tier 1 automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner operate across India – with about 8000 employees across 13 locations, including seven plants that cater to the Indian market and a Technical Center that supports Continental's global R&D activities.