Diageo India (United Spirits Limited), in collaboration with the District Collector’s Office, Nanded, has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake collective action for the rejuvenation of the Godavari River basin in Nanded district.
The MoU was signed today in the presence of Shri Rahul Kardile, District Collector, Nanded and Prakash Wamanrao Bodade, General Manager, Maturation and Distillation (Nanded) at Diageo India, marking a significant step towards sustainable water resource management and ecological restoration in the region.
Through this partnership, Diageo India (USL) will support the district administration in implementing water replenishment and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, building on its ongoing work in the region since 2021. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with Indo Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), USL’s implementation partner. The District Collector’s Office will play a key role in identifying priority water bodies and ensuring convergence with relevant government schemes to maximize impact.
Shri Rahul Kardile, District Collector, Nanded, said, “The rejuvenation of the Godavari River is a priority for the district administration, given its importance for livelihoods, agriculture, and ecological balance. This collaboration with Diageo India (USL) reflects the power of collective action. Through water replenishment efforts, the initiative will help improve groundwater levels and support farmers with more reliable irrigation. We are committed to ensuring effective implementation through convergence of government efforts and community participation.”
Devashish Dasgupta, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo India, said, “This partnership with the District Administration in Nanded is deeply aligned with our ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan, particularly our commitment to ‘Preserve Water for Life’. Through the Godavari Initiative, which we are proud to have co-founded, we are working to improve water quality and strengthen ecosystem health across the river basin. By collaborating closely with local stakeholders, we aim to drive meaningful, long-term impact on water security and community resilience in the region.”
The partnership with district administration in Nanded marks an important milestone in Diageo India’s Spirit of Progress ESG action plan, which places strong emphasis on water stewardship, climate resilience, and community wellbeing through its focus on Preserving Water for Life. As part of this commitment, Diageo India has been investing in watershed protection, groundwater recharge, and sustainable water access across several Indian states.
A key part of these efforts is The Godavari Initiative (TGI), a pioneering multi-stakeholder collaborative platform launched to address critical challenges related to the health of the Godavari River basin. With Diageo India as the founding partner, TGI aims to create a resilient and thriving riverine ecosystem that balances community well-being with ecological integrity and long-term water security. Spanning 55,350 sq. km of catchment area, the initiative will benefit 23 million people across 9 districts in Maharashtra.
