Jab Mein Tha Tab Hari Nahin‚ Ab Hari Hai Mein Nahin,
Sab Andhiyara Mit Gaya‚ Jab Deepak Dekhya Mahin
 

 
Hindustan Coca-Cola to Restore Historical Lehartara Pond
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
 
  • Joins hands with Shri Satguru Kabir Math for restoration
  • Institute of Technology, BHU to provide technical guidance
Varanasi, June 06, 2007; As a mark to World Environment Day, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages today announced its plan to restore historical Lehartara Pond in the city. To restore the pond to its glory, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages has joined hands with Shri Satguru Kabir Math. The company has roped in The Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University to provide technical guidance for the restoration plan. Varanasi Development Authority, who has the possession of Lehartara Pond, has issued the ’No Objection’ certificate for the restoration of this centuries old pond.

As the legend goes, Lehartara pond is the place at whose shores Neeru and Neema found an abandoned child, who came to be known as Sant Kabir. The Lehartara pond and its vicinity are a sacred place that is linked inexorably with the saint. Lehartara Pond owes its origin to holy Ganga. It is believed that whenever the Ganga was flooded, its waves touched Lehartara, which is why it came to be known as ‘Lehartara’. But gradually with time, Ganga left the banks of Lehartara and changed its course.

Lehartara is 6 km from the Kabirchaura Math (monastery), Sant Kabir’s work-field and centre of meditation and study. The importance of Kabirchaura stems from the fact that it was from here that Sant Kabir spread his message to the entire world. The Lehartara pond and the ancient temple come under the domain of Kabirchaura. However, with passage of time, the centuries old Lehartara Pond, which was once the centre of cultural activities, became a monument of human neglect and almost reduced to a garbage and sewage dumping ground.

Shri Satguru Kabir Math has been actively campaigning for the past few years to restore this historical pond to its past glory. In Hindustan Coca-Cola, Shri Satguru Kabir Math and its head Mahant Vivek Das found a willing partner to collaborate for the restoration of this centuries old Pond.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Vivek Das, Head of Shri Satguru Kabir Math, said, "The centuries old Lehartara Pond is both culturally and historically important. Lehartara Pond has been witness to the origin of the Great Sant Kabir. Unfortunately, the pond became a victim of the human greed and neglect. Kabir Math, for last so many years, has been campaigning for the restoration of this pond. Many plans were drawn but for some or other reasons, they did not fructify. We did not loose heart and continued with our effort to restore this pond. It gives me great pleasure to share that Hindustan Coca-Cola, after knowing about the pitiable state of Lehartara Pond through the media, came forward to join hands with Kabir Math for the restoration of it. I take this opportunity to thank Coca-Cola and its officials for their gesture. I would also request the citizens residing around Lehartara Pond to extend their cooperation in restoration of the pond. They will have to play an active role in ensuring that the sanctity of the pond is maintained in the future also because it is their pond".

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kalyan Ranjan, Region Manager – Public Affairs and Communications, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, said, "We as a company, are conscious of our concern and responsibilities towards environment and water. It is best reflected through our initiatives. The latest initiative of joining hands with Shri Satguru Kabir Math for the restoration of Lehartara Pond reinforces our commitment to the cause of environment and water. Over the years, we have been building partnerships with communities around our plant. With the latest initiative, we would like to believe that we have gone one step further to build an emotional connect with the people of the historical city of Varanasi".

Mr. Ranjan further added, "On the occasion of the World Water Day, we had announced to undertake 08 new Roof-Top Rain Water Harvesting projects in the area. It gives me pleasure to share that work at 04 sites are complete. The work is in full swing at 02 locations. We are confident that by the end of June, all 08 sites will be ready to reap the full benefit of the monsoon". These new projects are spread over a total roof-top area of 17,500 square meter and create annual ground water recharge potential of over 14,485 cubic meter.

Hindustan Coca-Cola has always integrated its business operations with environment friendly practices and to that end, the company is following four R policies in the area of water, which are Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Recharge. While Reduce, Recycle and Reuse are being vigorously followed in company’s day to day operation, it is in the area of ground water recharge where the company is working very closely with the communities. In 2006, Hindustan Coca-Cola created annual ground water recharge potential of over 13,000 cubic meters in Varanasi area and 3400 cubic meter in Lucknow city. The company’s efforts in the area of environment have been acknowledged at national and international levels from time to time. The World Environment Foundation recently conferred "Special Commendation of Golden Peacock Award for Environment Management, 2006”to Mehandiganj Bottling Operation".