HMWSSB targets 1200 government schools for 15,000 rainwater harvest pits

To tackle groundwater depletion, the Hyderabad water board plans to construct rainwater harvesting pits in around 1,200 government schools across four districts. The initiative aims to conserve water and promote sustainable practices among students.

Hyderabad: To overcome the looming groundwater crisis, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) initiated steps to construct rainwater harvesting (RWH) pits in approximately 1,200 government school campuses.

For this, the HMWSSB has decided to select schools across Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy and Sangareddy districts. As part of a 100-day action plan, HMWSSB officials will approach the district educational officers of the respective districts to facilitate the construction of RWH pits.

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The water board officials planned to construct 15,000 RWH pits within these 100 days and meet the target. The initiative aims to address water scarcity issues by utilising rainwater effectively and is expected to significantly contribute to water conservation efforts in the region, said the officials.

An official said the water board was initiating rainwater harvesting in government schools with two objectives: to set an example for other institutions and communities to follow suit in adopting sustainable water management practices and to inculcate and promote sustainable water management practices within educational institutions and among the students for future needs.

By targeting government schools, the HMWSSB intends to contribute significantly to the conservation of water resources. The rainwater harvesting system will become a key source of water for toilet flushing, cooking for mid-day meals, washing hands and feet before eating and after toilet-use, hygiene, and, finally, for drinking purposes if the rainwater is purified with water purifiers, an official explained.

The HMWSSB will extend its technical assistance to build the RWH pits on the school premises, once the necessary land sites are finalised, said an official.