The Challenge
The Hinduja Foundation’s water programme was implementing lake rejuvenation projects across multiple Indian states. They required independent engineering audits to assess restoration quality, ecological recovery, structural integrity of constructed works, and long-term sustainability of restored water bodies.
The audit scope covered projects in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, including four lakes in Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh) as a focused cluster.
Our Approach
- Field assessments: On-site engineering inspection of desilting works, bund strengthening, inlet/outlet structures, and catchment area interventions.
- Water quality monitoring: Pre- and post-restoration water quality analysis including dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, turbidity, and coliform levels.
- Ecological assessment: Biodiversity recovery indicators, aquatic habitat health, and riparian zone condition.
- Community impact: Assessment of restored water body utility for irrigation, fisheries, groundwater recharge, and community use.
Outcome
Engineering audit reports with actionable recommendations for each project site. The audits identified construction quality issues in specific locations, recommended remedial measures, and provided a framework for ongoing monitoring that the Foundation adopted across its water programme.
“RSustain brought the right combination of environmental science and engineering rigour to assess our lake restoration work. Their field teams were thorough and their recommendations practical.”
— Niyati Sareen, Project Director — Water and Education, Hinduja Foundation