6.3 Water Usage and Care
6.3 Water Usage and Care
6.3.1. Wastewater Treatment
The campus operates independently of municipal sewage systems. Instead, all wastewater from toilets, baths, and kitchens is treated onsite at our Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), which collectively have the capacity to process 700,000 litres of wastewater per day. This treated water is then repurposed for flushing and horticultural use. Additionally, wastewater from the centralized building Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems is collected and reused for flushing. We also maintain an underground storage tank with a capacity of 270,000 litres to hold treated STP water for reuse.
The campus features two STPs: one with a capacity of 200 kilolitres per day (KLD) and another with a capacity of 500 KLD, allowing for a combined treatment capacity of 700,000 litres per day during peak periods. These STPs are connected to dedicated sewage drain lines for each building, effectively preventing rainwater from entering the STP system. The 200 KLD STP utilizes a Fluidized Media Reactor (FMR) type, while the 500 KLD STP is an underground system based on standard practices. The sludge generated by the STPs is processed through a composting machine and repurposed as manure for gardening.
The university has implemented a sophisticated effluent treatment plant to manage laundry wastewater efficiently. The process begins with chemical coagulation using alum to form clumps of impurities. These clumps are then combined through flocculation and allowed to settle out during the settling phase, where solid waste is separated from the liquid.
Following these stages, the water is subjected to filtration to remove any remaining particles and ensure it meets high-quality standards. The treated water is then stored in a dedicated tank.
Pic: Water Treatment Flow Chart
This water is strategically repurposed for gardening and flushing throughout the campus, significantly reducing our reliance on fresh water. By reusing treated wastewater, we enhance our sustainability efforts and contribute to the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
6.3.2. Preventing Water System Pollution
The university has proactively addressed water system pollution through several key initiatives. Our commitment to a plastic-free campus plays a crucial role in minimizing plastic waste that could otherwise contaminate water sources. Additionally, our water undergoes rigorous filtration processes to meet safety standards for all uses. We have robust policies in place to ensure effective waste management and a clean, green campus. Links to these policies are provided below.
Our kitchen and gardening waste is efficiently managed through a composting machine that converts up to 250 kg of waste daily into manure for campus gardening. Similarly, sludge from our Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is recycled into compost for use in gardening.
For hazardous waste, such as kitchen grease and lubricant oil from diesel generators, we rely on M/s Bharat Oil and Waste Management Ltd (BOWM) to handle disposal in compliance with government regulations. Last year, we successfully sent 660 liters of lubricant oil to BOWM for proper disposal. BOWM ensures that all hazardous materials are processed in an environmentally safe manner, minimizing any potential impact on the ecosystem. Our partnership with BOWM reinforces our commitment to responsible waste management and environmental protection.
Rainwater is collected and recharged into the ground through an extensive system of rainwater harvesting pits, ponds, and swales. The campus is equipped with 22 rainwater harvesting pits connected through stormwater drains that capture runoff from building rooftops, roads, pathways, and green areas. These pits collect and store rainwater, which is then used for irrigation and other non-potable purposes, thus reducing reliance on treated water and mitigating pollution. To ensure optimal water percolation into the ground, we conduct annual maintenance and cleaning of the rainwater harvesting systems.
Picture of Rainwater Harvesting Pits
Picture of Rainwater Harvesting Pits University Map
6.3.3. Free Drinking Water
Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is a top priority for the university. In recognition of the vital role that water plays in the health and well-being of the campus community, the university has invested in a comprehensive water purification infrastructure. This includes a sophisticated network of eight Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants strategically distributed across the campus. Each RO plant is engineered to handle a capacity of 600 litres per hour (LPH), providing a continuous and reliable stream of purified water. This advanced filtration technology effectively removes impurities, contaminants, and harmful substances, ensuring that the water supplied is of the highest quality and safe for consumption.
The placement of the eight RO plants has been strategically planned to provide optimal coverage across the campus, with units located in key areas such as academic buildings, dormitories, and common spaces. This ensures that students, staff, and visitors have easy access to clean drinking water, reducing the need for long walks and enhancing overall convenience. A dedicated team oversees the ongoing monitoring and prompt resolution of any issues, ensuring that the systems operate efficiently and reliably.
6.3.4. Water-Conscious Building Standards
In its commitment to sustainability, the university has implemented water-conscious building standards across its campus. These standards are applied to both new construction projects and renovations of existing buildings. The goal is to enhance water efficiency and reduce consumption through design and construction practices that prioritize water conservation.
Solar Energy system installation Report
Lab safety guidelines (Carbon Management & Gas Safety)
Green Initiatives and Practices
Energy Efficient Equipments and Bills
6.3.5. Water-Conscious Planting
Since its inception, the University has practised a residential system and provides hostel accommodation to all UG and PG students. The general campus facilities include academic support facilities, facilities for food and accommodation, and an exceptional ambience for physical and mental well-being. Approximately 84% of the University campus is a green area with approximately 12000 trees of various species.
The university has completed a series of water-conscious planting initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable landscaping practices. These projects focus on selecting plant species and designing green spaces in ways that optimize water use and contribute to the campus’s ecological health. For instance, rooftop terrace gardening and strategically locating pons and swells. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the campus but also supports overall water conservation and environmental sustainability.
Our policy on waste management also explicitly mentions biodiversity within campus:
“1.7 Biodiversity, Plantation and Landscaping of Campus: Proper documentation of the flora and fauna at university premises should be done with the help of experts. Further plantation should be done in a planned manner in experts ‘advice to add both green cover and beauty to the campus. Landscaping of different sizes may be done at suitable open spaces with flowering plants, grass and accessories targeting towards the most beautiful green campuses in surrounding.”
Additionally, we have implemented a comprehensive plantation policy designed to promote water-conscious planting practices. This policy aims to integrate water efficiency into our planting strategies and minimise our environmental impact.