On September 12, 2024, Govt. First Grade College (GFGC), Peenya, witnessed the successful inauguration and handover of a Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) system, a crucial milestone in the college’s journey toward becoming a water-sustainable institution. The event was a collaboration between Gokaldas Exports Ltd. and Biome Environmental Trust, with key representatives and faculty members gathering to celebrate the completion of the project and its impact on campus water management.
Event Highlights
The inauguration ceremony was led by Mr. Amit Sharma, CHRO, Gokaldas Exports Ltd., who emphasized the importance of sustainability initiatives like these in shaping the future of young minds. He addressed the students, encouraging them to take ownership of their environment and contribute to water conservation efforts. Mr. Mahantesh Bangari, DGM-EHS at Gokaldas Exports, shared insights into Gokaldas’ commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and their ongoing partnership with GFGC, Peenya. Faculty members, including Assistant Professors Shruthi T. and H.R. Bhagya, expressed their gratitude for the support from Gokaldas and Biome in making the college a water-conscious institution.
A significant part of the event was the water literacy session conducted by Biome Environmental Trust’s Bhavani, who engaged students in hands-on demonstrations of tools like rain gauges, TDS meters, pH strips, and bacterial vials. This interactive session was designed to not only educate students about the technical aspects of water monitoring but also raise awareness about the broader importance of rainwater harvesting and aquifers. This session laid the foundation for deeper student involvement, as the college’s maintenance team and volunteers were also trained to take responsibility for the system’s upkeep.
The RWH Project
The RWH system at GFGC, Peenya, is a well-structured project aimed at addressing the water needs of the college while contributing to groundwater recharge in the area. With approximately 1,100 people on campus, including students, teaching, and non-teaching staff, and a main building covering 1,626 square meters, the college was an ideal candidate for a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system. The terrace catchment has been strategically divided into three sections, with rainwater from each directed to different water management structures: a newly constructed sump, an existing sump, and a recharge well adjacent to the building.
The key Interventions completed in the project include:
- 25,000-Liter Sump Tank: A new sump was built in the parking area, collecting rainwater from the terrace. Coated with a waterproof layer, this tank is designed to be durable and prevent leaks.
- Filtration Systems: Physical contaminants are filtered through a masonry filter packed with jelly stones and activated charcoal before the water enters the sumps, ensuring clean rainwater is collected.
- Recharge Well: A 5-foot diameter, 15-foot-deep recharge well was dug to capture overflow from the sump and runoff from open areas, contributing to groundwater replenishment.
- Water Level Controller: Installed to manage water levels automatically, the controller prevents water wastage and ensures efficient water use within the campus.
- Neerain Filter: A wall-mounted readymade filter was installed to filter terrace runoff from the inner stage-area, further boosting the system’s efficiency.
- Additional Recharge Well: Behind the building, a deeper recharge well was dug to capture runoff from the lowest point on campus, ensuring maximum groundwater recharge.
These interventions not only help the college meet its water requirements but also reduce its reliance on external water sources by maximizing rainwater usage. The system is built to last, with the infrastructure designed to efficiently collect, filter, and manage rainwater.
A Model for Other Institutions
During the event, Shruthi T., Assistant Professor at GFGC, Peenya, requested an exclusive session for the college’s lecturers and NCC students to further deepen their understanding of the system and ensure its proper maintenance. The college has committed to keeping the system well-maintained, with the aim of becoming a model institution for other educational establishments interested in implementing similar water sustainability solutions.
The event concluded with a campus tour led by Biome’s Krishna Dorai, where the Gokaldas team explored the different RWH structures and learned more about their functionality. This partnership between Gokaldas, Biome Environmental Trust, and GFGC Peenya marks a significant step toward sustainable water management in educational institutions, showcasing how corporate support, environmental expertise, and active student involvement can work together to create lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
As the college embraces its role in promoting water conservation, plans are already underway to extend the knowledge-sharing sessions to more students and faculty members. With GFGC Peenya taking this bold step toward sustainability, it is set to inspire other institutions to follow suit, proving that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change in our communities.
Written By:
Deeksha
Biome Environmental Trust