American Express India and Safe Water Network Partner to Launch Program Vasundhara

 American Express India and Safe Water Network Partner to Launch "Program Vasundhara" to Support Resilient Communities in Bengaluru and Gurugram

Bengaluru, December 11, 2024: American Express, in partnership with Safe Water Network, today announced the launch of Program Vasundhara, a three-year initiative designed to promote the development of sustainable resilient communities in Bengaluru and Gurugram. This comprehensive program aims to empower local communities to develop solutions for restoring ecosystems and fostering sustainable development practices.

Program Vasundhara’s Priorities

The initiative will focus on water resource management, sustainable agricultural practices, and biodiversity conservation across the two cities. Key objectives of the initiative include restoring and rejuvenating existing water bodies, creating new ones and implementing additional water conservation measures to conserve approx. 710 million liters of water, the planting of 15,000 trees, and the restoration of around 24,500 acres of land by 2027.

As part of the phased implementation, the program has completed the construction of an 18-million-liter rainwater harvesting structure near the Aivarakhandapura Lake, in Bengaluru North, enhancing local water availability and reducing reliance on external sources.

In the Aravalli region of Gurugram, the program will focus on reforestation and ecosystem restoration. This includes the development of a 25-million-liter rainwater harvesting structure, tree planting drives, and soil and water conservation measures. The program will also support the installation of solar-powered solutions in public areas to promote renewable energy.

Additionally, Program Vasundhara will focus on empowering local communities to develop homegrown solutions, by providing training to more than 900 female entrepreneurs to launch small and micro-enterprises in the sustainable agriculture space, as well as connecting participants in these programs with government schemes, banks and cooperatives for financial support.

Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express, India said, “We are committed to creating a positive impact on the local environment and communities where we live, work and operate in India. Through Program Vasundhara, in partnership with Safe Water Network, we are focused on helping build climate-resilient communities in Bengaluru and Gurugram, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

The program also supports farmers by establishing an automated weather station, linked to a mobile app. This advanced system leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide localized weather insights, helping farmers manage crops more effectively. It aids in determining the optimal timing for watering, fertilizing and pesticide application, while also assisting in pest and disease control by offering accurate weather updates, the system helps farmers to prepare for extreme weather events.

Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability at American Express, commented, “With Program Vasundhara, we and Safe Water Network are helping communities gain the tools and support to address the growing water crisis in India and preserve the natural environment, through local engagement and education. This work aligns with our commitment to supporting community recovery and resilience in response to environmental challenges and natural disasters.”

Poonam Sewak, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, Safe Water Network, shared, “We are honored to lead Program Vasundhara with American Express, an initiative rooted in community participation and ecological restoration. This program illustrates the potential of local engagement in conserving and rejuvenating vital ecosystems. Together, we’re building pathways for sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship that will benefit generations.”

 

Ms. Sewak continued, “This program aligns with India’s climate goals and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), setting a powerful example for community-driven conservation.”

About Program Vasundhara

Program Vasundhara is estimated to benefit over a 30,000 people in Bengaluru and Gurugram, India. The initiative includes ecosystem restoration activities, such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, climate action with tree planting, and renewable energy integration. Implemented by Safe Water Network, the program also aims to increase the technical capacity of state and local institutions, including biodiversity and watershed committees, and to establish a lasting model for biodiversity conservation.

 

ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, X.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products, services and corporate sustainability information: personal cards, business cards and services, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Business Blueprint, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports.

ABOUT SAFE WATER NETWORK

 

Safe Water Network was founded in 2006 by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman and a group of civic leaders in New York. Safe Water Network catalyzes to ensure that millions of people in underserved communities around the world. Safe Water Network’s programs offer culturally, socially, and economically sustainable and climate resilient solutions in safe water access and water security.

 

Safe Water Network India has been operational for over 15 years, working to catalyze community-led safe and sustainable water solutions through market-based models. Our high-impact programs follow a three-pillar approach: field implementation, technical assistance, and sector engagement.