Cribbing about the water crisis is not going to get us anywhere. The rapidly decreasing availability of drinking water demands better management of water by us citizens.
Water is most precious and a limited commodity, with only 2.5% of the total amount on Earth being Fresh Water and at the same time lesser that 1% of the same portable water recharges the underground aquifer, which are depleting by the day due to over exploitation, by mankind.
United Way Bengaluru, a non-governmental organization, took a conscious decision to address this concern in a big way by proposing the "Construction of Proposed Rainwater Harvesting Structures” at Bangalore University, under the Corporate Social Responsibility Banner. They had initiated it a year earlier. UTC Aerospace System sponsored the construction of proposed rainwater harvesting structures such as Boulder Checks, Recharge pits, Water Pool, Check Dam in the bio-park of Jnana Bharati Campus.
The bio-park in itself was constructed as part of this project and in the process, the students have acquired experience in land management for social forestry. Additionally, they also decided to fund the repair work of existing rain water harvesting structures across the natural nala (sewer drain) in the year 2017-2018.
The comprehensive rainwater harvesting system was conceived in a holistic manner to not only save millions of gallons of water each year but also touch upon allied areas of concern such as reduction of soil erosion and extending the green cover.
The above image shows the construction of the water pool which will serve as an excellent rain water container
Nevertheless, the project is broken into certain chief touch points such as using rain water harvesting systems to reduce the use of potable water for non-potable-water needs, increasing availability of naturally pure/soft water (No dissolved harmful metals/chemicals), reducing the runoff to maintain flood control, reducing the frequent drainage congestion and improving the quality of ground water through dilution and making it mineral inclusive.
This image shows the repair work of existing check dam embankment
All these lead to increase in soil moisture content during non-monsoon season also which will be helpful for trees growth, thriving of Flora & Fauna, higher migration rate of birds and better populations of insect species. It would then create a sanctum sanctorum for biodiversity to thrive.
"The integrated watershed at Bangalore University was guided by Dr Yellappa Reddy who is also instrumental in setting up the Bio-Park. The project was funded by Collins Aerospace Systems who believed in making the Bangalore University campus more bio-diverse. We are excited to see the increase in the green cover that is now a natural habitat for peacocks, butterflies, birds and several other wildlife” says David Kumar, Project Head, Rural Development and Lakes.
It may also be noted that the encouragement and engagement of the University Staff and students, lead to Positive Environmental Performance and further paved way for increased voluntary work to reduce the stress on our dependence on our ecosystem.
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