Banas Dairy, based in Palanpur, has been conferred the National Water Award in the ‘Best Industrial Unit’ category, recognising its extensive water conservation and management initiatives across Banaskantha district. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
According to the dairy, its large-scale conservation campaign has resulted in the construction of more than 325 ponds and over 30,000 soak pits, significantly contributing to groundwater recharge in one of Gujarat’s most water-stressed regions. These efforts have revitalised thousands of acres of farmland, enhanced irrigation reliability, and supported long-term sustainable agricultural practices.
Chairman Shankar Chaudhary noted that the dairy has also implemented advanced water recycling systems at its processing facilities to reduce wastage, aligning with the national Catch the Rain initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised that farmers and livestock owners of Banaskantha have played a crucial role in driving these conservation efforts, adding that Banas Dairy will continue to champion initiatives promoting environmental resilience and water security.
By integrating community-based water stewardship with industrial sustainability measures, Banas Dairy sets a benchmark for responsible resource management within India’s organised dairy sector.
