Hyderabad: St. Francis Degree College, National Institute of Fashion Technology and Saraswati Vidya Mandir are among the few educational institutes that have rain water harvesting pits to replenish groundwater.
While the Water Board is facing a space crunch to build pits, massive pits can be constructed at government offices, schools, colleges and other establishments which have lots of space. The board is now looking for institutions to offer space to build rainwater harvesting pits.
Meanwhile, sand and garbage have accumulated at the huge water harvesting pit on the Osmania University campus due to neglect. Mr Subhas Reddy, founder of Smaran Water Conservation Centre, said, “Having vast land is an asset. A huge pit was constructed at the Rajendranagar Government School and this will help replenish water for Bandlaguda. The Indian School of Business and BITS-Pilani Hyderabad have built harvesting pits recently.” He added that despite having a vast campus, University of Hyderabad did not have rain water harvesting pits.
“If these pits in government offices, colleges and other institutions are used properly, a significant part of water can be saved, even through roof-top harvesting. This will not only sustain the site but also the surrounding areas,” Mr Subhas Reddy said.
The Water Board is appealing to institutions with large campuses to provide a place for pits which it has offered to sponsor. Officials said the party will have to maintain the pit.
