"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Rainwater Harvesting

Good News

India’s First Water-Positive Airport: A Milestone in Green Aviation

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has achieved an unprecedented milestone in India’s aviation sector by becoming the country’s first “water-positive” airport. This achievement signifies that the airport now replenishes more water than it consumes, a remarkable feat for a facility that handles over 40 million passengers annually. With a commitment to sustainability, IGIA has combined advanced water conservation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling to not only reduce its ecological footprint but also set an example for airports across Asia and the world.What Does a Water-Positive Airport Mean?A water-positive airport is one that replenishes more water than it consumes. This means the airport saves, recycles, and harvests water so effectively that it puts more water back into the environment than it uses for its daily operations. Measures such as rainwater harvesting, storing water in reservoirs, treating and reusing wastewater, and using water efficiently across operations help achieve this status. Becoming water-positive reduces pressure on local water resources, supports sustainability, and sets an example for other large facilities to manage water responsibly.Harnessing Rainwater: Capturing Every DropCentral to IGIA’s water-positive status is its large-scale rainwater harvesting initiative. The airport has installed over 625 rainwater harvesting structures strategically across its terminals and operational areas. These systems are designed to capture every drop of rain, ensuring that seasonal monsoons are transformed into a sustainable water resource. The collected water is directed into two newly commissioned underground reservoirs, which together have a capacity of nine million liters. This storage system allows the airport to efficiently manage water supply for various operational and non-potable uses throughout the year, even during dry months.Zero-Liquid DischargeIGIA has also implemented a 16.6 million liters per day zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) wastewater treatment plant, capable of recycling 100 percent of the airport’s wastewater. This advanced facility treats and purifies used water, making it suitable for reuse in cooling systems, landscape irrigation, and toilet flushing. By recycling wastewater on such a scale, IGIA not only reduces its dependence on external water sources but also ensures that no treated water is discharged back into the environment, minimizing potential ecological impact.Beyond harvesting and recycling, IGIA has invested in systems that promote efficient water use across its vast campus. Sprinkler and drip irrigation methods are employed across landscaped areas, reducing wastage while maintaining greenery. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems rely on treated water from the ZLD plant, further enhancing operational efficiency. Even potable water is provided with minimal wastage, thanks to a state-of-the-art water treatment plant that delivers high-quality water to passengers. These measures reflect the airport’s holistic approach to water management, integrating technology, infrastructure, and operational practices. IGIA’s commitment to environmental stewardship has not gone unnoticed. The airport recently received recognition at the Water Innovation Summit 2025 for achieving Scope I Water Neutrality under the NITI Aayog–CII Water Neutrality Framework. Inspiring a Green Future for IndiaIGIA’s transformation into a water-positive airport is more than a technical accomplishment; it is a statement about India’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability. As the nation faces increasing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, the airport’s initiatives offer a blueprint for other infrastructure projects, both in aviation and beyond. By demonstrating that large-scale operations can conserve water while maintaining high efficiency, IGIA inspires industries, policymakers, and citizens alike to rethink how resources are managed.A Milestone for Aviation and the EnvironmentIndira Gandhi International Airport’s achievement as India’s first water-positive mega-hub sets a new benchmark in sustainability and responsible resource management. Through rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and efficient operational practices, the airport has created a system that benefits passengers, employees, and local communities. Beyond its technological innovations, IGIA’s story is one of human foresight, leadership, and commitment to a greener future. As travelers experience the world-class facilities, they also witness an institution that values the planet as much as performance—a model for the next generation of sustainable airports in India and globally.

4 Dec 2025
Good News

A Drop of Hope: Pune’s Patented Rainwater Harvesting is Reviving Groundwater, Inspiring Tomorrow!

Water is the essence of life, nurturing fields, sustaining communities, and flowing through the heart of our existence. Its scarcity threatens not just crops but hope itself, turning fertile lands into barren stretches. Protecting every drop isn’t just a choice, it’s a promise for a thriving tomorrow. Following this, in an inspiring leap towards sustainable water management, the Indian government has granted a patent for a revolutionary "Rainwater and Wastewater Harvesting System" model. This isn’t just a patent, it’s a promise, a symbol of hope for drought-prone regions, and bold step towards reviving our planet’s most precious resource: water. The patented model, a result of relentless research and innovative thinking, has already started creating ripples of change. The pilot project, implemented at Subhash Baburao Kul College in Kedgaon, Daund Taluka, has shown remarkable success, with groundwater levels in the surrounding areas experiencing a significant boost. What once seemed like a distant dream, replenishing the earth's hidden veins of water, is now a blossoming reality.Where Every Drop CountsThe heart and soul of this project lie in the passionate minds behind it. Dr. Ashok Divekar, Head of the Geography Department at Subhash Baburao Kul College, and Dr. Rajesh Survase, Professor of Geography at Eknath Sitaram Divekar College, Varvand, played pivotal roles in shaping this innovative system. Their expertise in geography and hydrogeology acted as the guiding force, turning research into real-world solutions. The patent has been officially granted under the names of Adv. Rahul Subhash Kool, Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar Survase, and Dr. Ashok Bhagwan Divekar, visionaries who have carved a path for a greener tomorrow.From Drops to Dreams: The Water RevolutionUnlike conventional methods, this model integrates both rainwater and wastewater harvesting, ensuring not a single drop is wasted. It efficiently channels rainwater into underground reservoirs while simultaneously purifying and recycling wastewater for agricultural and non-potable uses. This dual approach doesn’t just collect water, it breathes life into barren lands and restores ecological balance. The impact is already visible. The once-parched fields surrounding the college now show signs of rejuvenation, and local farmers speak of a newfound hope. "Water was a distant dream for us during the summer months. But now, we see wells filling up, and the soil feels alive again," shared a resident farmer with a tear of joy in his eye. Encouraged by this heartening success, plans are underway to expand the system’s implementation across various regions. The goal is simple yet profound: to empower communities, recharge groundwater tables, and combat the looming threat of water scarcity. "This is not just a model, it’s a movement," said Dr. Rajesh Survase. "If adopted widely, this system has the potential to transform how we view and use water. It’s about creating a sustainable future."Rain Meets Reason: A New Era The emotional impact of this innovation goes beyond the technicalities of hydrogeology. It resonates with every individual who has ever faced the anguish of a dry well or the heartbreak of withered crops. It speaks to every community that has longed for rain and prayed for a miracle. As we celebrate this achievement, let’s remember that this is just the beginning. The patent symbolizes progress, but the true success lies in its adoption and execution across the nation. With each raindrop harvested, we move one step closer to a future where water scarcity is no longer a fear but a forgotten struggle. So, here’s to the power of science, the spirit of innovation, and the unyielding hope of communities. Here’s to a world where every drop counts and every heart beat for a greener tomorrow. Because sometimes, a single drop is all it takes to spark a revolution.

24 Feb 2025
Good News

Positive Reads

Jangaon’s Low-Cost Rainwater Pits: A Community’s Powerful Step Against Water Scarcity

In the heart of Telangana, Jangaon district has taken an inspiring step towards combating water scarcity with a simple yet effective solution: low-cost rainwater harvesting pits. This initiative, driven by government employees and supported by local communities, has captured national attention for its scale, cost-effectiveness, and potential to sustainably replenish groundwater.The campaign, launched under the banner “Mana Jilla Mana Neellu” (Our District, Our Water), saw the voluntary construction of over 7,175 rainwater harvesting pits in a remarkably short time. These pits are not just structures; they represent a community's commitment to saving every drop of water and securing their future.What Are Rainwater Harvesting Pits and Why Do They Matter?Rainwater harvesting pits are simple, shallow cavities dug into the ground to capture rainwater runoff, allowing it to slowly percolate and replenish underground aquifers. Each pit in Jangaon measures roughly one meter in length, breadth, and depth and can hold up to 1,000 liters of water. These pits serve a critical purpose: they help recharge groundwater, reduce runoff that causes soil erosion, and decrease dependency on erratic water sources like bore wells and tankers. With groundwater levels falling dangerously low in many parts of India, such initiatives are essential for sustainable water management.The Groundwater Challenge in JangaonThe urgency behind Jangaon’s efforts lies in its alarming groundwater depletion. Official figures reveal a stark decline from an average groundwater level of 4.84 meters in January 2022 to a worrying 10.21 meters by April 2025. Such a drastic fall threatens agriculture, domestic use, and the overall livelihood of residents. Recognizing the crisis, Jangaon’s district collector, Rizwan Basha Shaik, spearheaded the “Mana Jilla Mana Neellu” rallying government departments to lead by example. Employees were encouraged to build pits at government offices, schools, and hospitals. Despite the initial target of 5,000 pits, the actual count exceeded 7,000, demonstrating an impressive collective response.A Low-Cost Solution With High ImpactOne of the most remarkable features of this initiative is its affordability. Each pit costs just Rs 1,500 to construct, making it accessible even to economically disadvantaged communities. The local gram panchayat supported the project by sourcing materials like stones and mud from nearby collapsed structures or available sites, further reducing costs. This cost-effective approach means the project can scale up rapidly. Officials estimate that constructing around 50,000 such pits across the district could significantly uplift groundwater levels and ensure water availability for years to come. What sets Jangaon’s model apart is the voluntary contribution of government employees who funded and built many of these pits from their own pockets. This grassroots, people-driven approach reflects a deeper sense of responsibility and community spirit.The Road Ahead: Expanding Water SecurityBuilding on the current momentum, Jangaon aims to continue encouraging households to construct rainwater harvesting pits. Public awareness campaigns urge residents to take simple actions like building pits near their homes and borewells to capture runoff effectively. The district administration’s vision is ambitious but achievable, ensuring every home has a pit, thus multiplying the water conservation impact across the region. Such a future-focused approach aligns with India’s broader goals of water sustainability and climate resilience. Water is more than a resource; it is life, culture, and community. The people of Jangaon demonstrate that safeguarding water is a collective responsibility, transcending social and economic divides. In a world where climate change intensifies water scarcity, small yet consistent efforts like these pits remind us that individual actions matter. The initiative instills hope and empowerment, showing that when people unite with a shared purpose, even the most difficult challenges can be addressed. Jangaon’s low-cost rainwater harvesting pits exemplify how innovation, community spirit, and government support can come together to solve one of the most pressing issues of our time: water scarcity. By valuing every drop and encouraging collective action, this initiative is securing water for future generations and setting a shining example for other regions in Telangana and beyond.

13 Aug 2025
Positive Reads

Star Citizens

The Rain Catcher: Meet the Solo Water Warrior of Meghalaya!

In the breathtaking hills of Umklai, Meghalaya, the people’s greatest hardship wasn’t the rugged terrain, it was the absence of something as basic as water. Women and children walked for miles, their backs burdened with heavy pots, just to fetch a few buckets from distant, often contaminated sources. Government promises remained empty words, leaving the village to battle its crisis alone. But while others accepted this struggle as fate, one woman refused to. Mairang Lyngdoh, a devoted schoolteacher with no engineering degree and  no funding made an extraordinary choice: she would bring water to her village with her own hands and with the unwavering power of her people.The Teacher Who Brought Water, Hope, and Change!Mairang’s solution wasn’t built on grand infrastructure or expensive technology, it was built on faith in her community. Instead of waiting for help, she turned to the wisdom of her ancestors. She listened to village elders, farmers, and artisans, who held the forgotten secrets of the land. Together, they crafted a plan that was as simple as it was brilliant: collecting rainwater from rooftops, reviving ancient springs that had dried up, storing water underground in clay-lined pits, and using gravity to distribute it without the need for expensive pumps. And with every step forward, hope flowed through the village, just as surely as the water they had longed for.From Scarcity to Sufficiency: A Teacher’s Water Revolution!Within a year, Umklai was transformed. No longer did children miss school to fetch water, they sat in classrooms, dreaming of futures no longer overshadowed by survival. Women, once bound by the exhausting daily trek for water, now found time to build livelihoods and create businesses. Waterborne diseases that had once plagued the village began to disappear. And most importantly, the people of Umklai had done this themselves, without waiting for government intervention, without relying on outside aid, but with their own wisdom. Hope in Every Drop: Village Fought for Water and Won!Mairang Lyngdoh’s story did not end with Umklai. She earned recognition from state authorities and environmental organizations. But for her, true success was in the sight of a mother filling a pot from her own home’s water supply and in the laughter of children running free instead of carrying buckets.  Now, she dreams of expanding her mission,  developing low-cost purification techniques to ensure that clean drinking water is a right, not a privilege. Mairang’s journey is proof that change does not always come from the powerful, it comes from those with the courage to act. Her story is about the unbreakable spirit of a woman who refused to let her people suffer, proving that true revolutions are built with vision and an unshakable belief in the power of ordinary people to achieve the extraordinary.

7 Apr 2025
Star Citizens

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