Greening Pune: Deccan Education Society Launches Rainwater Harvesting Project for Environmental Sustainability
Shivajinagar, 6th June 2023: Deccan Education Society (DES) is set to embark on a rainwater harvesting project within its 110-acre complex on Ferguson Road. The initiative aims to create a green area in the heart of Pune City through scientific measures and sustainable practices.
An important milestone was reached with the signing of an MoU between DES and Cummins India Foundation. Shivdurg Conservation, a voluntary organization, will provide assistance for the project. The event saw the presence of Dr. Sharad Kunte, Chairman of the Governing Board of DES, Dr. Ravindra Acharya, Vice President, Prof. Dhananjay Kulkarni, Working Member, Sunil Bhide, Project Manager, Neeraj Poornapatre, Executive Engineer, Saujanya Veguru, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Cummins India, and Pankaj Kulkarni and Pandit Atiwadkar from Shivdurg.
Dr. Kunte highlighted that the Ferguson College campus spans 110 acres, featuring a central hill and a botanical garden with rare plant species. With an average annual rainfall of 800 mm, more than 35 crore liters of water flow through this area. The rainwater harvesting project aims to harness and reuse this water, consequently replenishing the groundwater level. Measures such as planting grass to prevent soil erosion and introducing rare trees throughout the botanical garden and other areas will be undertaken. The development of large green spaces in the city center is expected to mitigate pollution and regulate temperature.
The project has been in progress for the past two years, focusing on the preliminary groundwork necessary for creating green spaces. Water plays a crucial role in this endeavor, necessitating measures such as the construction of open wells, desilting of 15 borewells, trenching on hills, creating deep trenches, and building gabion structures and absorption pits. These efforts will ensure an adequate water supply for greening the area and maintaining the botanical garden. Additionally, a water consumption audit and balance sheet will be prepared to cater to the needs of each department, and measures will be implemented to optimize water usage, according to Sunil Bhide.
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