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In line with its Sustainable Campus Policy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is dedicated to sustainable water management, focusing on wastewater treatment, pollution prevention, and water reuse. The university is committed to re-using 80% of its water through advanced treatment mechanisms. The campus has transitioned to a zero-pit toilet system, with high-quality effluent treatment and regular groundwater testing. Additional efforts include water quality monitoring, stormwater management, rainwater harvesting, and educational programs. These initiatives promote water conservation, pollution prevention, and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Wastewater Management & Pollution Prevention at Amrita

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is committed to sustainable water management, particularly in wastewater treatment and pollution prevention. The university operates several Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 1400 cubic meters per day, utilizing aerobic treatment methods and activated sludge mechanisms. Over the past three years, these plants have treated approximately 1,300 cubic meters of sewage water per day, which is then recycled for toilet flushing, arboriculture, and gardening, significantly contributing to freshwater conservation and maintaining a green environment on campus.

The treated water is rich in nutrients, providing essential micronutrients and organic carbon (NPK) to promote plant and crop growth. A new, advanced 4000 cubic meter per day capacity STP (STP-IV) is planned for construction in the academic year 2025-26.

Amrita has transitioned to a zero pit toilet campus, where all the waste is now connected to a comprehensive waste treatment system. This system is designed to effectively treat wastewater, with the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of the treated water reaching as low as 3, indicating high-quality effluent.

In addition to the waste treatment improvements, the university has implemented a separate pump system for efficient wastewater management. This system ensures proper segregation and treatment of different types of waste. To guarantee that the treated water does not cause contamination, groundwater testing is regularly conducted. Both in-house and external agencies carry out these tests to ensure there is no leakage into the environment, preserving the integrity of the campus’s water supply.

To further enhance water management, a periodic inspection system was established in April 2023 for checking water pipelines, coolers, tanks, storage units, taps, and other equipment for leaks and maintenance needs. This system ensures that potential issues are identified early, minimizing disruptions in the water supply. Additionally, the Water Department has introduced a log card system to document and track these inspections, ensuring accountability and the timely completion of maintenance activities.

In addition to wastewater treatment, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has implemented several measures to prevent water pollution:

  1. Regular Water Quality Monitoring: A dedicated team regularly tests water quality at all points of entry to the university’s water system, detecting pollutants such as bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals.
  2. Spill Prevention and Response: As per the guidelines of the Sustainable Campus Policy, the university has a spill prevention and response plan to deal with accidental spills of pollutants, including procedures for identifying, containing, cleaning up spills, and disposing of contaminated materials safely.
  3. Stormwater Management Systems: Designed to collect and filter stormwater runoff before it enters the water system, these systems help remove pollutants such as oil, grease, and sediment.
  4. Rainwater Harvesting: A system that collects rainwater from building roofs and stores it in underground tanks for use in irrigation and other non-potable purposes.
  5. Grease Traps in Kitchens: Installed to trap grease and oil from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer system, preventing these pollutants from entering the water system and clogging pipes.
  6. Educational Programs: Initiatives to educate staff and students about pollution prevention, covering proper waste disposal, water conservation, and spill prevention.
Pollution Prevention Program at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has actively pursued a robust pollution prevention program aimed at protecting water quality and fostering environmental stewardship among staff and students. The program encompasses water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment, spill prevention and response, and awareness campaigns. This report highlights key activities and progress achieved in implementing pollution prevention strategies during the period from July 2022 to December 2023.

Equipment Labelling and Identification

Achievements

  • Successfully marked all underground services with standard-compliant marking tapes.
  • Installed adhesive pipe markers on above-ground pipeworks, meeting the 5-meter interval requirement. Flow direction and pipe contents are clearly indicated.

Ongoing Efforts:

  • Routine inspections to ensure compliance with labelling standards.
  • Plans for expanding coverage to newly added infrastructure.

Asset Labelling and Barcoding

Achievements

  • All critical equipment now features asset labels and barcodes aligned with the university’s Asset Identification and Labelling Standard.
  • Improved inventory tracking and maintenance scheduling as a result of effective asset labelling.

Ongoing Efforts

  • Integration of barcode data into a centralized database is still in progress.

Below Ground Pipework

Achievements

Comprehensive surveys and documentation of all subsurface utility installations conducted as per Quality Level–Classification of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI).

  • Implementation of the CIS Standard Permit to Dig process for all underground works.

Ongoing Efforts

  • CCTV recordings of below-ground sewer and stormwater systems completed for older and newly installed infrastructure.

Above Ground Pipework

Achievements

  • Proper insulation and expansion accommodations applied to all pipework chased into masonry walls, preventing structural damage.
  • Adhesive markers installed consistently across all above-ground pipelines.

Ongoing Efforts

  • Periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance with installation and labelling standards.

Pipe Supports and Fastening

Achievements:

  • Compliance with spacing requirements for pipe brackets, clips, and hangers has been ensured.
  • Separate supports installed for valves in pipeworks of 200mm or greater diameter.

Core Holes and Sleeves

Achievements:

  • Structural engineering approval obtained for all cored holes in structural elements.
  • Fire-rated pipe penetrations installed to meet statutory requirements.
  • Copper sleeves provided for pipework passing through masonry and concrete structures.

Corrosion Protection and Finishes

Achievements:

  • All exposed surfaces and equipment have been treated with corrosion-resistant finishes, including hot-dip galvanizing for ferrous metals.
  • Regular maintenance programs established to monitor and address signs of corrosion.

Outcome:

  • Enhanced longevity of infrastructure and reduced maintenance costs.

Acoustic Performance of Hydraulic Pipework

Achievements:

  • Hydraulic systems certified to meet the acoustic requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).
  • Qualified Acoustic Engineers conducted assessments and provided necessary treatments to achieve compliance.

The pollution prevention program has made significant strides in protecting water quality and ensuring sustainable operations at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. The measures implemented from July 2022 to December 2023 have enhanced the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the university’s infrastructure. Ongoing initiatives and regular reviews will continue to improve environmental outcomes and uphold the university’s commitment to sustainability.

Next Steps

  1. Fully integrate asset labelling and barcoding data into a centralized tracking system.
  2. Conduct routine audits for all infrastructure to ensure continued compliance with standards.
  3. Expand educational initiatives to increase awareness of pollution prevention among the campus community.

Last Updated: September 30, 2022

 
 

To prevent polluted water from entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at Amrita University, the following processes can be implemented:

1. Equipment Labelling and Identification

– Ensure that all underground services have marking tape placed at correct distances above pipework, complying with relevant standards.

– Use adhesive pipe markers on above-ground pipe works to indicate pipe contents or system type, along with directional arrows indicating flow. Install markers at a minimum of every five meters.

2. Asset Labelling and Bar Coding

– Provide equipment with asset labels and bar codes according to the university’s Asset Identification and Labelling Standard.

3. Below Ground Pipework

– Fully survey and document all pipework and services installed below ground in accordance with the requirements for Quality Level–Classification of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI).

– Submit and obtain approval for the CIS Standard – Permit to Dig Form from the department before installing or repairing any pipework located below ground.

– Provide CCTV recordings of below-ground sewer, stormwater, and sub-soil drainage pipework and structures before practical completion.

4. Above Ground Pipework

– Ensure that all pipework chased into masonry walls does not cross any movement joint and is provided with sufficient insulation to accommodate expansion and contraction without causing damage.

– Label all above-ground pipe works with adhesive pipe markers indicating pipe contents or system type and directional arrows indicating flow. Install markers at a minimum of every five meters.

5. Pipe Supports and Fastening

– Install pipework supports according to the spacing requirements for brackets, clips, and hangers.

– Provide separate supports for valves within pipework of 200mm or greater.

6. Core Holes and Sleeves

– Obtain approval from a structural engineer before coring any holes in floors, walls, beams, or columns.

– Provide copper sleeves or tubing for pipework passing through core holes or masonry/concrete walls or floors, ensuring a 25mm gap around the pipe.

– Install fire-rated pipe penetrations to comply with statutory requirements.

7. Corrosion Protection and Finishes

– Paint all surfaces exposed or susceptible to corrosion, including external surfaces of machinery, equipment, fittings, tanks, and services.

– Use hot-dip galvanizing with a minimum coating thickness of 0.1mm for ferrous metal exposed to the atmosphere or in humid conditions.

8. Acoustic Performance of Hydraulic Pipework

– Ensure that all hydraulic services comply with the acoustic requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) through treatment of building elements and system pipework. Obtain assessment and certification from a qualified Acoustic Engineer.

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