RAINWATER HARVESTING
Total rooftop and surface area: 32,170 square metres (sq m) Average annual rainfall in Delhi: 611 millimetres (mm) Total volume of rainwater harvested: 6880 cubic metres (m³) or 68,80,000 litres This represents about 35 per cent of the total rainwater harvesting potential.
WATER SUPPLY SOURCE
The three bore wells inside the campus cater to the total water requirements of the college.
RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM ROOFTOP WATER HARVESTING
The runoff from the terrace of the college building is channelized into three recharge wells located at three different locations, each measuring 1m x 1m x 2m. All the rooftop rainwater outlets, except that from the Tutorial Block, discharge into storm water drains and then to the recharge structures. In the Tutorial Block, a network of pipes linked through chambers take the rainwater to the recharge wells. To facilitate groundwater recharge, all structures are provided with 15m deep bore wells of 150mm diameter. Layer of bricks filled inside the recharge well ensures proper filtration of harvested water.
SURFACE RUNOFF WATER HARVESTING
The runoff from the unpaved area is intercepted at the main gate by a collection trench. From here the runoff eventually drains into an abandoned open well, which facilitates groundwater recharge. The project was implemented in June 2011. The cost of the entire rainwater harvesting system was Rs 1.0 lakh.
IMPACT
The water level in the institute premises was 35.8 m below ground level (bgl) in May 2012. After implementing the rainwater harvesting system on the campus, water levels rose remarkably. The water level in September 2012 was 22.1m (bgl) while in May 2013 it was 25.0 m (bgl), a rise of 10.6 m even during this peak summer month. The water level in July 2013 was recorded at 35.9 m (bgl).
Constructing rainwater harvesting tanks in institute contribute to the success of the program’s 5 intended benefits, which include: immediate provision of a clean water source for students & staff, directly impacting capabilities of the community, improving the quality of life of children, the sourcing of environmentally sustainable water with a complete filtering mechanism. It also enables improving quality of life for many students and also a start with plantations, supporting a lively environment.
Such methods lead to the empowerment of the local community, equipping them with skills and monetary control so that they are self-sufficient.
