Gadchiroli | September 17, 2026: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has strengthened access to safe drinking water in Gadchiroli district through its H₂OPE initiative by equipping additional 134 government schools with water purification and storage infrastructure.; building upon HMIF’s earlier intervention which was well appreciated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who acknowledged its impact in Gadchiroli and encouraged Hyundai Motor India to consider expanding support to an additional 100 schools in the district.
Implemented with an investment of INR 2.95 crore, the project underscores HMIF’s commitment to improving community well-being, supporting student health and advancing sustainable development in alignment with government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and UN SDG goal 6 universal access to safe drinking water.
The official handover ceremony for the current phase was held at Kamlatai Munghate High School, Sonapur, in the presence of Shri Avishyant Panda, IAS, District Collector & District Magistrate, Gadchiroli, and Shri Rajendra M. Bhuyar, Addtional Chief Executive Officer – Zilla Parishad, Gadchiroli, along with representatives from government schools and officials from Hyundai Motor India Limited.
With the completion of this phase, HMIF’s H₂OPE initiative has now reached 384 government schools across Gadchiroli district, following its earlier intervention in 250 schools. Since its launch in FY2023-24, the programme has witnessed a cumulative investment of INR 8.36 crore and has positively impacted more than one lakh students across the district.
The latest phase of the project extends access to clean drinking water facilities to approximately 26,000 beneficiaries, including students, teachers, school staff and local community members. By ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water within school premises, the initiative aims to promote better health and hygiene practices, enhance student well-being and create a healthier learning environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri 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.”
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. 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’.”
Under this phase of the H₂OPE initiative, HMIF has provided:
- ISO certified RO units and water coolers
- Six-layer water storage tanks
- TDS / pH meters for water quality monitoring
To ensure long-term sustainability, school staff received training on the operation and maintenance of the installed systems. Hygiene awareness sessions and student engagement activities, including drawing competitions were also conducted to promote healthy practices and foster creative expression among children.
This initiative is not only about installing water infrastructure but also about building a healthier and more equitable future. For many children, especially girls, access to clean drinking water at school can lead to better attendance, improved concentration and greater confidence to pursue their aspirations. Through such impactful initiatives, HMIF continues to reaffirm its commitment to the holistic development of Maharashtra’s youth, creating lasting impact across education, health and community well-being.