April 24, 2025, Bengaluru: Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in healthcare and agriculture, in partnership with Safe Water Network India, has launched an initiative to provide communities in Karnataka with access to safe affordable drinking water through 20 iJal stations in and around Chikkaballapur. The launch, which will take place in Bengaluru, is part of a nationwide initiative involving installation of 90 iJal water stations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana. These iJal stations will help nearly 3 lakh people in these states get inclusive and equitable access to clean water.
Due to depleting groundwater reserves, erratic rainfall, and poor civic infrastructure, access to clean and safe drinking water is on a sharp decline, especially in India. The country has 18 percent of the world’s population, but only 4 percent of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed in the world. Installation of water ATMs in the form of iJal stations can help safeguard supply of clean water to vulnerable communities. More than just clean water, this initiative empowers local communities by involving Self-Help Groups and entrepreneurs, creating livelihood opportunities and enhancing the project’s sustainability. Designed for long-term impact, the iJal initiative is built for scalability, ensuring that more communities can benefit from reliable access to clean water in the future.
Speaking at the launch of the iJal stations in Bangalore, Rachana Panda, VP & Cluster Comms Head, Bayer ASEAN, ANZ & South Asia, and Director – Bayer Foundation India, said, “Access to clean drinking water is not just a necessity—it’s a right. With the launch of iJal stations in Bangalore, we are enabling underserved communities to take charge of their water security. This model goes beyond just access to clean water—it builds local ownership, helps improve the community’s health, reduces the daily drudgery of fetching water leaving women with more time for productive work, increases economic opportunities and lays the groundwork for a viable, community-led change.”
The installation of iJal stations is currently being facilitated across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana, with 34 sites confirmed and 56 additional locations under development across the country. These stations, managed by local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs, provide affordable clean water to communities through an easy-to-use prepaid RFID card system, ensuring reliable access to clean water for all. Bengaluru currently faces a daily water shortage of nearly 500 million liters, while in Chikkaballapur, groundwater overuse has reached 145% of sustainable levels. Many villages now rely on water tankers, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and reliable drinking water solutions. These challenges not only affect daily life but also increase health risks, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. The iJal stations aim to ease this burden by bringing clean water closer to where people live.
“Bayer’s iJal initiative is a commendable step toward ensuring access to clean drinking water for citizens of Chikkaballapur. Such initiatives from the private sector play a crucial role in supporting the government’s efforts of providing access to critical basic amenities to the citizens of the state in a sustainable manner. The government is committed to supporting such initiatives and welcomes the efforts of private sector players like Bayer in supporting local communities,” said Shri S N Subbareddy, MLA, Bagepalli (Chikkaballapur), Karnataka.
The iJal project will also help transform communities as the initiative includes comprehensive training programs to empower locals with the skills to effectively operate and maintain the iJal water stations. In addition, smart cards for accessing water and community engagement drives will raise awareness about the importance of safe water, promoting responsible usage across all households.
A dedicated maintenance network will ensure the continuous functionality of the stations, with trained technicians available to address any issues promptly. The project’s success will be monitored through an uptime-focused Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, which will track station performance and reduce downtime.
Speaking at the launch of the iJal stations, Ravindra Sewak, India Country Director, Safe Water Network said, “The uniqueness of this water station lies in the fact that it will be run and maintained by self-help groups from within the community. Use of technology and a small charge on the service will ensure long term viability of the water dispensing station and also efficient and need based utilisation of a precious resource like water. We are happy to partner with Bayer in setting up 89 more such stations across the country. Bayer and Safe Water Network’s commitment to water stewardship and understanding of the critical need for clean drinking water make for an ideal partner in driving this important cause forward.”
This effort is a part of Bayer’s broader focus on supporting meaningful, community-driven change. By responding to essential needs like clean water, the initiative hopes to contribute to better health and well-being in a way that’s practical, inclusive, and sustainable. The start of the iJal stations marks the beginning of a committed journey toward sustainability—where communities don’t just survive, they thrive.