Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation

In order to encourage and adopt rainwater harvesting in the campus, IIT Kharagpur has built 25 recharge wells and rejuvenated 9 water bodies (total area of 5 acres) within the campus. Rainwater harvested from rooftops is used to recharge wells in all new construction sites. This has aided in rejuvenation of water bodies as well. For instance, the pond near Gas Godown is fed entirely through rainwater harvested from nearby rooftops. Currently the water consumption of IIT Kharagpur for the last year (2023-24) is 3.3 million cubic meter/y.

In order to support conservation of water, treated wastewater is used for gardening instead of freshwater. For example, treated wastewater obtained from 1.35 MLD capacity STP is being used in gardening in a number of hostels. The use of dual-flushing cistern and self-closing tap have also been adopted, particularly in all new constructions. Mechanized restroom cleaning has been adopted in major buildings and toilets for the conservation of water. Dual plumbing for use of recycled water has been added in new buildings like New Boys & Girls Hostel, Chemical Annexe building, Academic building and Academic tower in accordance with GRIHA 3+ norms.

To further encourage the practice of rainwater harvesting and general conservation of water, IIT Kharagpur has hosted several awareness campaigns within campus and in the local communities and nearby villages. Student-led awareness campaigns have also been organized through the banner of NSS. An advisory on water conservation has also been circulated among campus residents. Further, water use in all Halls is now metered to detect and repair leaks and losses of water at the earliest.

Cleaning of the indoor premises is now done using mechanized equipment which is another water conservation measure.