Nagpur, IN

Project Launch Date: November 2024

Project Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra, IN

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Supply

Processor: Manas Agro Industries & Infrastructure Ltd (MAIIL)

‍Crop(s): Sugarcane

Harvesting Season Duration: January – December (365 days)

Volume of Potable Water Created / Available: 300 million litres

About the Processor:

MAIIL is promoted and established by an experienced group of professionals with rich backgrounds in various industries. The initiative stemmed from a commitment to industrial development in the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra. The decision was made to introduce the sugar industry to an area predominantly cultivating cotton, paddy (rice), and soya bean. In addition to sugar manufacturing, MAIIL established a power cogeneration plant and a distillery unit. This endeavour was met with success, and today, thousands of farmers are associated with us as sugarcane producers, reflecting our commitment to inclusive growth. At MAIIL, there is a strong belief that progress through rural development drives national advancement. This conviction led to further ventures, including the establishment of power plants in the region. Aligning with their ethos, they installed two biomass-based and two bagasse-based power plants, utilising agricultural waste to generate energy and improve the quality of life for local communities. To foster self-sufficiency in the region, MAIIL created employment opportunities, benefitting locals, and contributing to peaceful livelihoods. Building on their expertise, they expanded into alternative fuels, launching their own brand of LPG. The rapid development of a nationwide network of dealers and distributors underscores their commitment to delivering energy solutions. In support of renewable energy adoption, MAIIL has partnered with ESSAR Petroleum to supply ethanol-blended petrol at competitive rates, advancing sustainability and accessibility in energy consumption.

https://www.manasindustry.com/introduction

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Demand

Impact Sponsor: Microsoft

• Has a bold goal to be water positive by 2030. This means replenishing more water than they consume globally across their operations. They achieve this by both reducing their water use and by investing in water replenishment and WASH projects in water-stressed regions. By taking these steps, Microsoft aims to play a role in addressing global water stress.

Villages Impacted: Delivering clean drinking water to over 16,000+ people in Bela village in the Nagpur District in India within 5 kilometres from the Water Harvesting Unit (WHU) at MAIL.

Positive Water Impact: WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) Impact

 Social Water Benefits:

• Health: 
  • Reduced water-borne diseases (diarrhea, cholera, typhoid)
  • Improved overall health and well-being
• Time saved:
  • Women and girls freed from spending hours collecting water
  • More time for education, childcare, income generation
• Education:
  • Improved school attendance and learning outcomes due to better health
  • Girls more likely to stay in school if not burdened by water collection
• Economic benefits:
  • Reduced health care costs associated with water-borne illnesses
  • Increased productivity due to better health
  • Potential for creation of jobs for system maintenance and operation
• Accessibility and fairness:
  • Access to free, clean drinking water available 365 days a year
  • RFID card and Water ATM system ensures fair and controlled water access (10liters/day/person)
• Sustainability:
  • Water ATMs refilled by trucks, reducing reliance on potentially dwindling local sources

About India’s Water Crisis: India has ~18% of the world's population but only has access to ~4% of the world's freshwater resources. Millions face daily struggles to secure enough water for basic needs. 65% of rural households travel long distances, sometimes kilometers, just to collect water. This is especially critical during droughts, where wells and handpumps run dry, forcing villagers deeper into debt to buy water from tankers. Even when water is available, it's often contaminated with arsenic, fluoride, or bacteria. This leads to a vicious cycle: waterborne illnesses like diarrhea cause dehydration, requiring more water, further perpetuating the cycle. Children are particularly vulnerable, with estimates suggesting 1.5 million die from diarrhea alone due to unsafe water.

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