Water, Water Everywhere... : A Success Story Harvested in Shirpur

"People ask, 'How could you achieve so much so fast? It's impossible!' I smile at them. 'Nothing's impossible, when they're around,' I say, pointing to the Volvo Excavators."
It's daybreak at Shirpur towards the end of summer and the first rays of the sun cut through a solitary cloud across the blue sky. While the city sleeps, workers of Shirpur Construction are up and about. The team is getting ready for another day of activity at the world-class Rainwater Harvesting Project - a pioneering initiative of local MLC Amrishbhai Patel - on the far outskirts of Shirpur. Joining the team on the journey today is Rajendra Deore, Director, Shirpur Construction.

"This is a dream project... not just for our Company but for all the people living in the area," says a beaming Deore. "I think it could even become the game-changer in our country's water conservation policies. Can you imagine? All of us here in the area will have enough water for the next 25 years! All credit to our visionary leader Amrishbhai. And of course, our Volvos."

When the tough get going

For close to an year now, the Volvo EC 240 Excavators have been at work at the project. They have been about their job cutting through acres of hard rock and digging deep into the parched earth. The idea being to create 50-metre deep ponds every 500 metres so that rainwater is trapped and stored and not wasted away flowing into the sea. Work is moving at an astonishing pace and the entire team at Shirpur Construction is clearly excited at the progress. Says Deore, "I tell you, these Volvo machines are simply amazing. They can just go on and on and on... without any problem!"


Shirpur Construction started the work with two Volvo EC 240s and has since added two more machines to its fleet. Down the line, there are plans to bring in more Volvos as scope of work expands into new territories across the surrounding areas. Apart from the Rainwater Harvesting project, the Company is actively involved in road construction, earthmoving, industry building and school projects.

Digging in deep to deliver

Deore reckons his Company has saved big time by using Volvo equipment. "I can tell you this. Our savings in fuel consumption today adds up to more than 75% of our bank loan interest," he says. "Now, if you calculate productivity gains and virtually zero-breakdowns, well, it's quite a steal! Take my word, making an investment in Volvo equipment makes real good economic sense." Deore is also upbeat about the personalized service and attention. "These guys go to great lengths to give you complete peace of mind," he says, "sorting out service problems in no time, giving operators tips on how to get more, save more... they count, you know."

For now, the Rainwater Harvesting Project is the focus of attention at Shirpur Construction. It's a project the entire team is proud to be associated with. "For sheer scale of operations, the benefits that will accrue to the larger community, this project stands alone. By God's Grace, we are doing very well," says a visibly proud Deore. "In fact, officials supervising our progress are quite stunned. People ask, 'How could you achieve so much so fast? It's impossible!' I smile at them. 'Nothing's impossible, when they're around,' I say, pointing to the Volvo Excavators."

Deore believes this is only the beginning of exciting times for his Company. At hand are a host of challenging projects that will test the mettle of the team and Volvo Equipment. No prizes for guessing who will win. "Of course, we will!" The boss thunders, as he ties on his bootlaces to join his team on the journey to a bold, new future.