Water covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and play a vital role in regulating the planet’s climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources essential for life. However, these precious ecosystems face numerous threats, including overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. SDG 14 aims to address these challenges and promote the responsible stewardship of the world’s marine resources.
Despite India’s significant population, accounting for 18% of the global total, the country possesses just 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. As a result, India faces a formidable challenge in effectively managing its water resources. This challenge is aggravated by factors such as population growth, changing lifestyles, rapid industrialization, and the constant pressure to increase agricultural output. At present, India withdraws 710 km3 of water annually, exceeding the sustainable resource of 1,123 km3. Projections suggest that demand will increase to 1,180 km3 by 2050. Additionally, growing pollution from both natural sources and human activities places significant constraints on India’s water resources, compounding the challenges. Climate change, another critical concern, introduces uncertainty regarding the availability of water resources in terms of location and timing.
To ensure the sustainable management of its water resources, India must reconsider and reshape its current practices and governance policies. Agriculture accounts for the majority, approximately 78%, of total water usage, with 8% allocated to industry and power, and the remaining 6% going to the domestic sector. Effective and prudent management requires innovations in the water sector, the application of advanced technologies, capacity building, empowerment of all stakeholders, encouragement of innovative investments, promotion of efficient water reuse, and improvement of freshwater and sanitation systems.
Currently, about half of the global population resides in urban regions, with nearly 10% living in megacities. As cities undergo rapid expansion, the need to ensure their sustainable growth, efficient functioning, and the preservation of a high quality of life for residents becomes increasingly crucial. This is where the concept of “smart cities” comes into play. The term “smart cities” has gained traction among governments, urban planners, and the private sector as they strive to address the future needs of urban areas. A critical element in the growth and sustainability of smart cities is their water systems. The notion of “smart water” pertains to water and wastewater infrastructure designed to ensure the efficient management of this valuable resource and the energy utilized for its conveyance. Equally vital is the imperative to reduce the pressures on our planet and its water resources to enhance their sustainability.
In response to these difficulties, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) has founded the Manav Rachna Centre for Advanced Water Technology and Management, aimed at contributing to the efficient and sustainable handling of India’s water resources. This will be achieved through innovative approaches, capacity enhancement, and outreach initiatives. Keeping in view the importance of unpolluted water for the aquatic life, MRIIRS minimizes the water usage by incorporating various measures including Waste Water Treatment, maintaining Water Conscious Building Standards, Water Conscious Planting, and by conducting awareness programmes to promote conscious water usage on Campus and in the Wider Community.
Manav Rachna Centre for Advanced Water Technology & Management (MRCAWTM), established in 2017, is dedicated to educational, research, consulting, and training activities related to hydrogeology, water resources engineering and management, water quality, and associated environmental and ecological concerns.
MRIIRS- Water Resources
MRIIRS relies entirely on groundwater as its water source, drawing water from three campus tube wells (TWs), each equipped with a water flow meter. These tube wells serve as the primary water source for the campus, extracting groundwater from an aquifer formed through secondary porosity resulting from the weathering and fracturing of quartzites within the Delhi Supergroup. Water consumption across the campus is accurately measured using established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
MRIIRS-Waste Water Treatment Process
MRIIRS has installed a 200KL/Day Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to treat the sewage generated within the campus. Underground drains are constructed connecting all the buildings to the STP. The site of STP is kept in the down slope end of the campus, so as to facilitate the gravitational movement of sewage to STP. Annual discharge of STP is 3574 KL (2022-23). From the measurement it is calculated that Average 7.70 KL/Day discharge is obtained from STP. It uses to generate sufficient treated waste water per day to irrigate 2.87ha planted landscape within the lush green campus and for flushing purposes. The output water quality of STP is maintained keeping Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) within permissible level. Frequent analysis of output water is done to keep check on its quality.
Sustainable Water Extraction on Campus
MRIIRS for sustainability of water extraction has practiced Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in the campus. MRIIRS follows all sustainable water-conscious building standards for water extraction. It has adopted green building norms. Toilets are constructed in such a manner that head loss remain minimum. All overflows are channelized back to sump well. Drinking water and raw water OHT are kept separate. MRIIRS has installed roof top rain water harvesting system in the campus. Also, water saving fixtures and sensors have been installed to taps and toilets.
Rainwater Harvesting System at MRIIRS
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that runs off from the building tops, paved roads and other kinds of open spaces such as parks. Four rainwater harvesting systems have installed in Block A Parking, Block C, near Gate No. 7 of Block T and Block Q of the campus. Total quantity of run off generated from the campus is 4.8770 ham/ year. It is assumed that 50% of generated run off (i.e. 2.4 ham/ year) will percolate down into ground water for recharging.
Water Conscious Building Standards
MRIIRS follows all water-conscious building standards to minimize the water use. It has adopted green building norms. Toilets are constructed in such a manner that head loss remain minimum. All overflows are channelized back to sump well. Drinking water and raw water OHT are kept separate. MRIIRS has installed roof top rain water harvesting system in the campus. Also, water saving fixtures and sensors have been installed to taps and toilets.
Water Conscious Planting
MRIIRS is having specially designed and well maintained 2.87 ha lush green plant landscape. The water treated through STP is used to irrigate the huge landscape of MRIIRS. To minimize use of water in horticulture within campus several drought-tolerant varieties of plants are adopted.
- The gardens have been designed following the water conscious planting.
- Overhead sprinkler systemsare used to water the plants in more efficient manner and to minimize the water usage.
- The Manav Rachna Centre for Medicinal Plant Pathology, established at MRIIRS, includes the promotion of Soil and Water Conservation Practices as one of its objectives. This initiative aids the Manav Rachna horticulture team in choosing drought-resistant plants within MRIIRS, thereby reducing water consumption..
Water Reuse Policy of MRIIRS
MRIIRS is having in place green policy for campus that incorporates policy for reuse and recycle of water and is revised time to time. The Water Conservation and Management Section of the Green Policy that highlights the emphasis on water recycling and water re-usage is reiterated as follows:
“MRIIRS realizes that water is a valuable resource and all possible measures should be taken for its conservation. There should be discipline on water usage, and consumption of water should be economized. Water is to be recycled and reused as much as possible aiming towards zero discharge. Drought tolerant plants should be preferred as far as possible in plant landscaping to minimize the water use.”
Water Reuse Measurement
MRIIRS generates monthly Av 297.8kL water through STP (3574 kL per Annum) which is 7.71 kL/day. This reclaimed water is used for horticulture and toilet flushing. It not only saves precious groundwater but also reduce energy consumption in extracting groundwater from aquifer. So, as it helps in conserving groundwater resource. Thus, recycling of water is reducing carbon foot print of the campus. MRIIRS has also installed rain water harvesting system in the campus.
Water Management Educational Opportunities for local Communities
MRIIRS has established a center of excellence in April 2017 “Center for Advance Water Technology and Management” to outreach directly and demonstrate engagement initiatives to address the community’s water management and water uses. The center is actively involved in achieving its vision “clean water for all and forever”. The center had begun free “water literacy campaign” and conducting various inhouse and out campus activities for community education on water and hygiene, using Manav Rachna FM Radio, organizing meetings, workshop/ seminar/ paining competitions, campus visit etc.
Promoting Conscious Water Usage on Campus and in the Wider Community
To promote the conscious water use MRIIRS established MRCAWTM in April 2017 with the vision ‘clean water for all forever”. MRCAWTM organized Eco consult meet and other orientation programmes inhouse, and for wider community several sessions on water literacy in campus and for civil society using Manav Rachna FM Radio, organizing meetings, workshop/ seminar/ paining competitions, campus visit etc. MRIIRS offers courses in the curriculum covering the aspects of sustainable water management. The MRCAWTM promotes the conscious water use through its various activities.
Cooperation of MRIIRS with Local, Regional, National or Global Governments on Water Security:
MRIIRS have developed cooperation on water security at local, regional and national level:
- MRCAWTM is having active coordination with Faridabad Smart City Ltd, Faridabad Municipal Corporation and Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority in solving water issues of the city.
- MRCAWTM was awarded for its exemplary work in the revival of the Badhkal Lake in Faridabad, Haryana, India and for its commitment to promote awareness, and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, to facilitate the efficient conservation, protection, development, planning, management and use of water in all its dimensions on an environmentally sustainable basis for the benefit of all life on earth.
- MRIIRS is working with Haryana Irrigation and Water Resource Department (IWRD) Panchkula in implementing Atal Bhujal Yojna Haryana as District Implementation Partner for Faridabad, Rewari and Palwal districts of Haryana State of India towards sustainable development of groundwater through participatory Ground Water management by formulating Gram Panchayat level Water Security Plan.
- MRCAWTM is also working with DST (Department of Science and Technology, Government of India) and has worked with National Institute of Urban Affairs funded research projects towards solving real time water security issues.
- MRCAWTM is also engaged in Hydrogeological surveillance of fresh water and saline water interface at various locations in India, including Barmer area of Rajasthan, Dholtapahar and Netrabandha Pahar (West) for Iron Ore Block, Sundergarh District, Odisha.
- MRCAWTM has also worked on Hydrogeological Investigation and Impact Assessment of for Dubiyara Iron Ore Mines, Sihora Tahsil, Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh
- Impact assessment of underground mining of Manganese Ore on ground water in and around Miragpur, Balaghat Madhya Pradesh, India and Panderwani, Balaghat Madhya Pradesh, India
SERIES OF AWARENESS PROGRAMMES BEING ORGANIZED AT MRIIRS (SDG 12)
- Awareness Programme on conservation and sustainable utilisations of water resources including sea, rivers, and lakes
MRIIRS regularly conducts an awareness program on conservation and sustainable utilisations of water resources including sea, rivers, and lakes to educate and engage faculty members and students in understanding the significance of conserving and sustainably utilizing oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and marine resources. The program aims to raise awareness, foster a sense of responsibility, and promote actions in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 14.
- Awareness Programme on “Guidelines for Disposal of e-waste”
Under its regular practice, Internal Quality Assurance cell (IQAC) organizes series of sessions on Awareness Programme on Guidelines for Disposal of e-waste in collaboration with IT cell, MRIIRS. The objective of this programme is to raise the awareness among the participants about the responsible disposal of electronic waste to reduce the environmental and health consequences due to improper e-waste management. These sessions emphasize on the procedure adopted by the university to dispose of the e-waste.
- Pledge on ‘Say No to Plastics’
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) organizes a pledge on “Say No to Plastics”, addressing SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production twice in every semester. The aim of taking the pledge is to make students aware the detrimental effects of application of plastics to the society and well – beings.
MRIIRS POLCIES
- Policy for E-waste management
MRIIRS is committed to promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns as part of our contribution towards SDG 12. E-waste, a significant environmental concern, requires responsible management to minimize its adverse impacts. MRIIRS has a policy on E-Waste Management which comes under IT usage and maintenance policy. There is a standard operating procedure for the proper disposal of e-waste. This policy outlines our commitment to handling e-waste in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. To see the detailed policy click here
- Green Policy for Plastic Usage and Plastic Waste Management
The Green Policy of MRIIRS, Faridabad aims to institutionalize best practices for environment protection, natural resource conservation and sustainable development through a human– environment co-existence model. The MRIIRS community has consciously chosen to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, REPAIR and REPLACE the plastic and implement a ban on the ‘single use plastics’. The policy mentions the standard operating procedure being followed at MRIIRS for Plastic Waste Management. To see the detailed policy click here
