IIM Bangalore receives Appreciation Certificate from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for implementation of rainwater harvesting & reuse of treated wastewater

Bengaluru: In another feather to its cap, IIM Bangalore has received an Appreciation Certificate from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), acknowledging the implementation of rainwater harvesting and reuse of treated wastewater, as part of BWSSB’s Jalarushi Puraskar for public/institutions coming under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. The certificate says that the award is in appreciation of adoption of environment-friendly initiatives which shows concern for water conservation.

BWSSB had invited participation from institutions for presenting measures taken for water conservation, rainwater harvesting and reuse of treated wastewater, with an aim to encourage conservation and efficient use of water. IIMB had submitted a detailed report on the measures taken by the institute towards conservation and efficient use of water.

Some of the measures highlighted by IIMB in the report prepared the school’s Estate Office include rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting storage tank, groundwater recharge wells, open wells, sewage treatment plant, biological block for waste, water pressure reducing aerators for wash basins, borewells, and overhead tank for storage of STP water.

A case study on integrated water management included details like water management planning, rooftop rainwater harvesting, recharge wells, open wells, borewells, STP, maintenance and water billing.

The best practices highlighted were: harvesting, storing and using as much rooftop water as possible, thus reducing reliance on BWSSB and borewells; groundwater recharge through 57 recharge wells and three large open wells, and STP treated water being used for watering the gardens and other use. Moreover, an estimated 2.0 to 2.5 lakh litres of treated wastewater is generated per day which is used to the full extent.

IIMB has also consistently won the Best Ornamental Garden award for years now in the annual competition organized by the Mysore Horticulture Society and uses treated wastewater for its gardens.