Water is a precious resource, and in many parts of the world, it’s in short supply. Karnataka, a state in southern India, is no exception. Several districts in the state recently experienced deficient rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, which has raised concerns about water availability.
The south interior region of Karnataka is particularly affected, and disputes over sharing the Cauvery River’s water have led to protests and debates. However, in the midst of these concerns, a village school in the Tumakuru district is setting an inspiring example of water sustainability.
A Rural School’s Remarkable Solution
Government Model Higher Primary School in Kora village, Tumakuru, is a beacon of hope. This school, located over 70 kilometers from the state capital, Bengaluru, has devised an innovative way to address the impending water crisis.
Despite the deficient rainfall in the region, the school boasts an ample supply of water for drinking, washing, gardening, and other purposes. The secret behind their self-sufficiency? Rainwater harvesting.
The Visionary Headmaster’s Initiative
Madhusudan Rao, the 57-year-old headmaster of the school, deserves credit for this remarkable achievement. With 33 years of teaching experience and an active role in the People Science Movement, he recognized the need to harness rainwater.
Rao’s vision was to establish a cost-effective rainwater harvesting system in the school, promoting both water and energy conservation. His decision was timely, considering the changing climate patterns and the increasing importance of water conservation.
The Role of Biome Environmental Solutions
To turn his vision into reality, Rao collaborated with Biome Environmental Solutions, an organization based in Bengaluru that specializes in ecological architecture and water and sanitation solutions.
Biome’s rainwater harvesting initiative is supported by Wipro Cares, an employee-led community initiative of the Wipro Foundation. With their expertise, the school embarked on its journey to capture, store, treat, and use rainwater.
Students’ Involvement and Learning
An integral aspect of this project was involving the students. They watched and participated in the installation of the rainwater harvesting system.
Through this hands-on experience, they learned about the advantages of rainwater harvesting and the importance of water conservation. They discovered that rainwater could be reused for various daily activities, such as toilet flushing, cleaning, gardening, and cooking.
Rainwater Harvesting: A Step Towards Sustainability
The rainwater harvesting system was installed in June, and by the end of August, the school had enough water for its needs. For drinking and cooking, the harvested rainwater is filtered with reverse osmosis to ensure it’s safe and clean.
While this system may not meet the school’s water needs throughout the year, it significantly reduces their reliance on external water sources, such as groundwater-exploiting borewells or water tankers from distant locations.
In a state where every drop of water counts, rainwater harvesting is a sustainable solution. Biome Environmental Solutions is working with several schools to promote this initiative, with already three schools benefiting from the system and a fourth one in progress.
The approach involves active participation from students, teachers, and School Development and Monitoring Committee members, making it a holistic and educational experience.
Government Model Higher Primary School in Kora village is a shining example of how innovative thinking, community involvement, and a commitment to sustainability can address critical challenges like the water crisis, ensuring a better future for the generations to come.
