Rainwater Harvesting at Coimbatore Campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore Campus, Enhances Water Sustainability Through Efficient Treatment Systems Coimbatore, India — Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Coimbatore campus has effectively managed water usage through a comprehensive system, utilizing treated water for drinking and other essential purposes across varying needs throughout the year. The university has reported that, over the fiscal year 2023-2024, its water treatment plants demonstrated high operational efficiency, particularly during the summer months. 

According to the campus records, total water usage peaked in May, reaching 411.95 lakh liters. A breakdown reveals that drinking water requirements, which are crucial in the warmer months, increased significantly, with May recording 40.14 lakh liters. This surge aligns with the operational excellence of the treatment facilities during summer, indicating a strategic approach to meet seasonal demand without compromising on resource efficiency. 

Treated water volumes, another highlight, showed a consistent pattern, peaking in the warmer months. In April, for instance, the treatment plant delivered 286.42 lakh liters, while May saw an increase to 307.94 lakh liters. This reflects a robust capability of the water treatment system to not only meet but surpass regular standards, ensuring the campus maintains sustainable water practices even under increased seasonal demand. 

The effectiveness of the campus’s water treatment facilities underscores Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s commitment to sustainability and resource management. With consistent treatment efficiency and usage optimization, the university sets an example in sustainable campus management for institutions nationwide.

The Coimbatore campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has established a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system to promote water sustainability and reduce groundwater extraction. 

Key Aspects of the Rainwater Harvesting System

Collection from Roads and Pavements:

• Rainwater runoff from roads and pavements is directed into roadside drains, where it flows into recharge pits near unused or abandoned bore wells, replenishing the groundwater.

Rooftop Rainwater Collection:

•  Rainwater from building rooftops is captured and stored in sumps, tanks, and pits. After basic treatment using sand, gravel, and boulders, the water is reused for gardening, cleaning, and flushing, reducing reliance on groundwater. 

 Strategic Storage Locations:

• Multiple structures across campus have dedicated rainwater collection systems: 
• Sumps with pumping arrangements in buildings like Vyasamaharshi Bhavanam, Nachiketha Bhavanam, Aerospace Lab, Civil Lab, and others. 
• Geo-membrane tanks in locations like the Auditorium and Academic Block 3. 
• Storage pits in specific areas like the M.Tech block.

These initiatives illustrate the campus’s dedication to sustainable water management, enabling rainwater reuse and groundwater recharge effectively.