Siegwerk restores community pond in Rajasthan

Siegwerk India has undertaken the restoration of a historic community pond in Pur Village, Rajasthan, India, with an investment of approximately 73k USD. The move highlights the company's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability through its CSR initiatives. 

Spread across approximately 11 acres, the pond was once the social and cultural heart of the village. Over time, however, it deteriorated due to neglect and continuous waste dumping from nearby shops. Despite its degraded condition, the pond continued to collect rainwater during monsoons, making it a strong candidate for restoration and long-term conservation.

The project commenced on November 21, 2025 and is expected to be completed by September-October 2026, generating an estimated 1,200 man-days of employment during implementation.

The pond was selected for restoration because it retained strong ecological recovery potential, offered ample space for future community development and enjoyed local support. The surrounding area provides opportunities for green spaces, walking tracks, seating areas, a gazebo, fitness facilities and extensive plantations. Equally important was the strong sense of ownership demonstrated by villagers, students and local leadership, creating a solid foundation for the project's long-term sustainability.

Siegwerk’s engagement with Pur Village began in 2025 with a CSR-led plantation initiative, under which residents voluntarily contributed 3,000sqm of land. As part of this initiative, 530 saplings were planted. The community has independently maintained the plantation site, reflecting strong environmental stewardship and a sense of ownership. This initiative formed the basis for deeper engagement and ultimately paved the way for the pond restoration project.

Building on this engagement, Siegwerk had previously also restored a community pond in Dhaki Village, further strengthening its focus on water conservation and ecosystem revival in rural regions.

The restoration initiative in Pur is being complemented by extensive plantation and landscape enhancement efforts around the site. To foster long-term ecological balance and expand local green cover, Siegwerk plans to plant 2,000 native saplings during the monsoon season. Early signs of ecological recovery have already emerged, with fish, frogs and turtles observed during dewatering activities, indicating the pond’s potential to support a thriving aquatic ecosystem.

To address the causes of degradation, Siegwerk's CSR team and implementation partners conducted awareness campaigns involving local shopkeepers, more than 300 school students and village residents. These efforts focused on preventing waste disposal into the pond and encouraging responsible environmental practices. 

The project has also seen enthusiastic volunteer participation, with Siegwerk employees working alongside community members throughout the restoration process. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative, a Pond Maintenance Committee has been established to oversee upkeep, community engagement, and stewardship of the restored water body.

'At Siegwerk, sustainability is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities around us. The restoration of the Pur Village pond demonstrates what can be achieved when environmental responsibility is combined with active community participation and a shared vision for the future. We have been particularly encouraged by the villagers' commitment, whose involvement has been instrumental in driving this project forward. Together, we are helping preserve a valuable community asset that will benefit generations to come,' said Ashish Pradhan, president, Siegwerk Asia.

Once completed, the restored pond will serve as a sustainable water resource, a biodiversity hub and a vibrant community space, benefiting current residents and future generations alike.