Gadchiroli, Maharashtra: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has expanded its H₂OPE safe drinking water initiative to another 134 government schools in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, providing water purification, cooling and storage infrastructure expected to benefit more than 26,000 students, teachers, staff and local community members.
The latest expansion takes the programme’s coverage in Gadchiroli to 384 government schools, following an earlier intervention across 250 schools. Hyundai Motor India Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), said the initiative has reached more than one lakh students since its launch in FY2023-24.
The latest phase has been implemented with an investment of ₹2.95 crore, while cumulative spending on the H₂OPE programme in the district has reached ₹8.36 crore.
HMIF said the expansion followed recognition of its earlier work by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who acknowledged the project’s impact in Gadchiroli and encouraged Hyundai Motor India to consider extending support to another 100 schools in the district.
Water infrastructure installed in schools
Under the latest phase, the selected government schools have been equipped with ISO-certified reverse osmosis water purification units and water coolers, six-layer water storage tanks, and TDS and pH meters for monitoring water quality.
The infrastructure is intended to provide reliable access to potable water within school premises while supporting health and hygiene practices among students.
While installing a water purifier may sound like the straightforward part of the job, keeping it working reliably over the years is usually where the real test begins. HMIF said school employees have therefore been trained in the operation and maintenance of the systems.
Hygiene awareness sessions and student engagement programmes, including drawing competitions, have also been conducted as part of the initiative.
Handover ceremony held in Sonapur
The official handover ceremony for the latest phase was held at Kamlatai Munghate High School in Sonapur.
The event was attended by Avishyant Panda, IAS, District Collector and District Magistrate, Gadchiroli; Rajendra M. Bhuyar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Gadchiroli; representatives of government schools; and officials from Hyundai Motor India Limited.
Speaking on the occasion, Avishyant Panda IAS, District Collector & District Magistrate, Gadchiroli said, “The availability of safe drinking water in schools is fundamental to creating a healthy and productive learning environment. Project H₂OPE reflects a shared commitment towards the well-being of our children and the development of the district. The support extended by Hyundai Motor India Foundation will strengthen water accessibility in government schools and positively impact thousands of students. We commend this thoughtful initiative and look forward to its long-term benefits for the children and communities of Gadchiroli.”
Project aligned with drinking water and sustainability goals
HMIF said the programme supports broader objectives around public health, education and sustainable development and is aligned with the Government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
The latest phase is expected to provide access to safer drinking water for approximately 26,000 beneficiaries, including students, teachers, school employees and members of nearby communities.
Commenting on the initiative, Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, said, “Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental enabler of health, dignity and education. Through Project H₂OPE, Hyundai Motor India Foundation is proud to partner with the Government of Maharashtra in strengthening access to safe drinking water for children across Gadchiroli. Following the successful expansion of the initiative across additional schools, we are pleased to formally hand over the project to the District Administration, marking an important step towards ensuring its continued benefit to the communities. This initiative reflects the impact of strong Government–industry collaboration and Hyundai’s commitment to creating healthier learning environments and enabling brighter futures for children, in line with our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’.”
More than one lakh students covered since launch
With the addition of the latest 134 schools, H₂OPE now covers 384 government schools across Gadchiroli district.
According to HMIF, more than one lakh students have benefited from the programme since FY2023-24.
The foundation said dependable drinking water facilities can contribute to healthier school environments, while awareness programmes are intended to encourage better hygiene habits among children and communities.
HMIF also highlighted the importance of access to clean drinking water for school attendance, concentration and student well-being, including for girls.
For a district-wide education system, water infrastructure may be less visible than new classrooms or digital equipment, but its everyday importance is difficult to overstate. The expansion of the H₂OPE programme adds another layer of basic infrastructure across hundreds of Gadchiroli schools, with its longer-term value likely to depend on consistent maintenance, water-quality monitoring and continued cooperation between schools, the district administration and the foundation.
