India: Community Support

Coca-Cola India steps ahead to restore Kale Hanuman ki Bawari
New project yet another reaffirmation of commitment to enrich water resources

• Partnership with Jaipur Municipal Corporation in line with the priorities of the State Government

• Four hundred year-old heritage structure to be restored to original glory

• Continuation of the initiative launched with Sarai Bawari

• Project to benefit approximately 10,000 residents of the area

Jaipur, December 9, 2005: Coca-Cola India today commenced work to restore the 400-year old Kale Hanuman Ki Bawari, near Amer, to its original glory and reaffirmed its commitment to water resources enrichment. The new project, launched today is aligned to the priorities of the State Government and is in continuation of the initiative started with restoration of the historical Sarai Bawari. It will benefit nearly 10,000 residents in the area by improving the availability of water for their needs and is one of the 17 projects identified by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation.

Emphasizing the need to conserve and manage the precious water resources, Mr. Deepak Jolly, Vice President - Public Affairs & Communications, Coca-Cola India, said, "The latest project is part of the Company's constant endeavor to support communities for an all round development and we are always keen to work with the local communities in areas where we can provide sustainable benefits to them. While we are committed to contribute to this cause, it is important for everyone to consciously participate in water conservation programs."

Earlier this year, Coca-Cola India handed over a completely restored Sarai Bawari in Amer at Jaipur Delhi Highway to the local villagers. The Company had commenced the work in December 2004 Coca-Cola India with the support of very enthusiastic local population and State Government Departments bringing it back to its old glory. The area today provides a very pleasant sight with water level standing at 70 feet with all its water out lets cleaned and operational. It is a very satisfying to see the villagers coming to the Bawari daily and collecting water for their needs.

Mr. Jolly added, "The Bawari has always been an integral part of the rich water conservation heritage of Rajasthan and Coca-Cola India is proud to be associated with the restoration work. The success of Sarai Bwari project has enthused us and we will ensure that Kale Hanuman Ki Bawari also gets its original glory."

Coca-Cola India today also announced the completion of the rainwater recharge project at Kaladera and adjoining areas entailing construction of 110 recharge shafts in the open areas where rainwater collects but does not percolate into the ground due to the nature of the soil. Here these shafts provide a pathway to the collected rainwater to flow into the ground through a reverse filter system and recharge the groundwater. This will definitely help to increase the groundwater level and benefit the local communities, not just for one monsoon but year after year.

The company had initiated this work in August this year under technical guidance of the Rajasthan State Ground Water Department. The project will ensure water sustainability for thousands of local villagers.

About Coca-Cola India

The Coca-Cola Company has always placed high value on good citizenship. At the heart of business is a simple mission statement called the Coca-Cola Promise. It says, quite simply, that "The Coca-Cola Company exists to benefit and refresh everyone who is touched by our business". This basic proposition - that the company's business should bring benefit and refreshment to all - is central to the way Coca-Cola operates in communities around the world. Coca-Cola India provides extensive support for community programs across the country, with a focus on education, health and water conservation, all key priorities of the Government.

For further information, please contact: Subhajit Mitra at: 98283-44111 or Vikas Kochhar at 098999-21103