Diamonds Are Cutting a Path Through India’s Water Crisis
The natural diamond industry is a powerful force in India, particularly in Surat, the global diamond cutting and polishing hub. Here, the sector directly provides livelihoods to nearly one million people. The newly constructed Surat Diamond Bourse, now the world’s largest office building, is a testament to this booming sector. India cuts and polishes nearly 90% of the world’s natural diamonds, and artisans within the country make a significant portion of the fine jewelry featuring these gems. However, beyond the glittering image of natural diamonds, the industry’s influence extends far deeper into India’s social fabric, especially in rural areas. While Indian diamond companies are renowned for their expertise in transforming rough stones into polished gems, their most profound impact may be how they leverage their success to uplift vulnerable communities.
One of the natural diamond industry’s most significant contributions is its investment in large-scale water management initiatives vital to some of India’s most underserved regions. Through projects that restore rivers, rejuvenate lakes, and construct dams, the industry is addressing the critical challenge of water scarcity in rural areas. These initiatives ensure reliable access to clean water, improving agricultural productivity, supporting public health, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. The efforts have stabilized the water supply and brought about lasting positive change. This demonstrates the industry’s far-reaching influence, extending beyond luxury into driving meaningful social and environmental progress in the world’s most populous country.
India cuts and polishes nearly 90% of the world’s natural diamonds, and artisans within the country make a significant portion of the fine jewelry featuring these gems.
One of the most significant contributors to water restoration in India’s diamond industry is Hari Krishna Exports (HK), which launched an initiative called “Mission River.” This ambitious project aims to restore rivers and lakes, particularly in regions where water scarcity is most prevalent. Since its inception, the program has restored 155 rivers and lakes, a staggering achievement currently storing at least 20 billion liters of water.
This initiative has directly benefited over 250,000 farmers who depend on reliable water sources for irrigation, ensuring the sustainability of their crops. Improved irrigation in the affected areas has increased farming yields by up to 100%, stabilizing local food production and mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases. These benefits also extend to local ecosystems, bolstered by the increased water flow, thus supporting biodiversity in otherwise arid regions.
Jayshree Ben Butiliya, an Anganwadi worker, spent years witnessing the devastating effects of malnutrition as barren fields and scarce water left families unable to feed their children adequately. But everything changed when Mission River began rejuvenating the land with much-needed water. Crops started to thrive, and families could grow their own food. Jayshree saw firsthand how, once frail and malnourished, children became healthier and stronger. For Jayshree, Mission River was more than just a water project; it was a beacon of hope that fundamentally reshaped the future of her community.
Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) is a giant in the natural diamond industry that also plays a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges in India. One of SRK’s key initiatives is the construction of dams and canals in more than 100 villages, which has proven essential in managing water flow, preventing floods, and ensuring year-round access to clean water. These projects have provided stability in regions plagued by droughts and floods. Farmers can now cultivate crops with the assurance of a reliable water supply even during dry seasons, while the broader population enjoys improved access to clean water, transforming lives in countless communities. To date, SRK’s humanitarian projects have reached over 3.5 million people across India.
Diarough and Jewelex are two diamond companies that tackle issues in some of India’s most water-challenged areas through their support of the Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch (VSSM) non-profit. Before their intervention, these villages faced extreme conditions—drought during the late winter and summer or flooding during the monsoon. The situation was dire, with natural wells running dry and groundwater levels plummeting to depths of 1000 feet. The result was a scarcity of drinking water and soil salinization, making agriculture nearly impossible. In the last two years alone, both Diarough and Jewelex’s lake restoration efforts have desilted and deepened 30 lakes across 29 villages, positively impacting almost 100,000 villagers. The water retention capacity has increased by over 300 million liters, providing a stable water supply supporting domestic needs and agriculture. This initiative has also helped rejuvenate local flora and fauna, restoring a natural balance to the ecosystem once lost over years of environmental degradation.
One particularly moving example comes from the Paadan village of Banaskantha’s Sui block, where groundwater is so saline that drilling borewells is not an option. The small village lake, normally dry outside of monsoon season, is a lifeline for the people. Thanks to Diarough’s efforts, the lake was deepened and expanded, and when the rains came, it filled to the brim, ensuring that the community would have access to water throughout the year.
To further support their water management initiatives, Jewelex implements rainwater harvesting at their facilities for gardening purposes. Additionally, they have installed ultra-efficient water fixtures, which contribute to saving approximately 450,000 liters of water annually in their operations.
Looking ahead, VSSM has set an ambitious target to desilt an additional 375 lakes by 2030. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance water availability and management in some of Gujarat’s most drought-prone regions, potentially benefiting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts, including regular checks and infrastructure upkeep, ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects. Collaboration with government agencies and local stakeholders ensures the projects continue to deliver benefits well into the future. Additionally, these initiatives contribute to job creation, providing employment opportunities in construction and maintenance, which foster economic development and bring significant social benefits by alleviating poverty, improving health outcomes, and creating better opportunities for education in rural areas.
While natural diamonds are often synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, their actual value extends far beyond the jewelry industry.
While natural diamonds are often synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, their actual value extends far beyond the jewelry industry. Like Botswana, whose people greatly benefit from their country’s natural diamond resources, the revenue generated from diamonds in India empowers companies like Shree Ramkrishna Exports, Hari Krishna Exports, Jewelex, and Diarough to invest in initiatives that positively impact millions, ensuring their influence extends well beyond their own operations. This commitment underscores the importance of natural diamonds as objects of beauty and instruments of meaningful development and social responsibility.
The natural diamond industry’s impact on India’s development is profound, with many transformative projects in rural communities made possible through its support. As climate change increasingly threatens vulnerable communities, these initiatives are becoming more critical than ever. This work improves lives today and builds a resilient foundation for tomorrow, ensuring that all share the prosperity natural diamonds create. The legacy the industry is leaving in India is as enduring as the natural diamonds it transforms.
