Beverage giants face rising risks from India’s water shortage

Foreign beverage companies in Rajasthan face growing water scarcity and complex regulations while operating in India. Global firms like Heineken, Diageo, and Carlsberg maintain factories in the state to comply with laws restricting alcohol movement across state borders. They must balance production needs with water availability for the state’s 85 million people, tourism, agriculture, and industry.

Rajasthan, largely covered by the Thar Desert, has some of India’s highest groundwater extraction rates. Industrial water users consume about 2% of the state’s water, yet all must install rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge systems. In over-exploited areas like Alwar, industries must adopt advanced water-efficient technologies. Heineken, for example, recycles all wastewater and uses air instead of water to rinse bottles.

Local communities sometimes face water shortages. In Salpur village, residents receive piped water only once a week and pay for each hour of supply. Villagers have accused breweries of worsening scarcity, leading to legal cases. However, courts found factories compliant with regulations and directed stricter monitoring of groundwater extraction in over-exploited areas.

Companies are investing in water efficiency and community projects. Diageo has built dams, planted trees, and installed pipelines. Heineken and Carlsberg fund boreholes, desilt ponds, and provide rainwater harvesting. These initiatives help replenish groundwater and improve access, though experts say more large-scale infrastructure is needed.

Water scarcity remains a national issue beyond Rajasthan. India’s population uses 17% of the world’s water while holding only 4% of freshwater. Industrial growth, agriculture, and power generation strain resources, with companies taking steps to mitigate impact. Still, experts emphasize continued collaboration between industries, communities, and authorities to ensure sustainable water management.

Read more : Severe Drought in Iran, Mashhad Faces Major Water Shortage

Severe drought in Iran has created a worrying situation across the country. After the capital city Tehran, the second-largest city Mashhad is now also facing an acute water shortage. Residents are struggling with daily water supply issues, and local authorities are trying to manage the crisis.

According to Iranian news agencies, the water reserves in Mashhad’s dams have dropped to a dangerous level. Reports indicate that the city’s water storage has fallen below 3 percent. Experts warn that the lack of rainfall has caused a sharp decline in underground water levels, worsening the problem.