At JSW foundation, we believe that water, environment & sanitation concerns are of the utmost importance. Some of our programs in this area include the following:

• Ensuring water security: 75% of the Indian population face some form of water scarcity in their lifetimes. And these figures are increasing every day. Women and young girls are the worst affected in a water crisis, as by social practice they carry the onus to make water available for the family. The Foundation is working to make potable water easily available in our DIZs on a sustainable basis. The programs focus on enhancing and rejuvenating water sources, ensuring easy access to water and mindful use of the resource. Water conservation measures at various locations are undertaken in tandem with various government schemes like, Jal Yukta Shivar Abhiyan of Govt of Maharashtra, Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan in Rajasthan, NABARD Watershed development program in Salem in Tamil Nadu.

• Restoring Ecosystems: Mangrove restoration programs have been undertaken in Jaigad and Dolvi, in Maharashtra. These programs are linked closely to the livelihood of the communities in the neighboring regions. The foundation works closely with the Daroji Bear sanctuary, Karnataka and has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art interpretation centre at the reserve. Tree plantation drives are undertaken across all our plant locations every year, taking care to plant local species and thus ensuring biodiversity.

• Open-defecation-free villages:  Open defecation is of national concern as the maximum number of people practicing open defecation reside in India. At JSW Foundation we focus on making the DIZ villages Open-Defecation-Free (ODF). Individual and group toilets have been constructed in rural areas, making sure that there is an assured source of water. There is a special emphasis on construction and maintenance of school toilets with an aim to reduce dropout rate of girls from schools.

Earth Care Awards: JSW Foundation in association with The Times of India designed the Earth care awards in 2007, with the objective to recognize and foster excellence in climate change. This reflects the commitment and willingness of an industry house and civil society to cooperate and develop synergy to identify, promote and strengthen actions at ground level in the South Asian region. The ECAs seek to recognize actions and innovations in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptations. The awards are given in 4 categories:

• Community-based mitigation and adaptation in water resources, agriculture, forestry and other land use
• Innovation for Climate Protection
• Green House Gases Mitigation in Large Scale Enterprises
• Leadership in Urban Climate Protection