Water supply and water use measurement
IIT Gandhinagar measures the total volume of water used on campus, sourced primarily from the Narmada Canal via the Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB). The water is monitored through two flow meters installed at Dholakuva and the Water Treatment Plant to track usage accurately.
Additionally, the Institute has a range of instrumentation at pumping stations, including ultrasonic level indicators, electromagnetic flow meters, pressure gauges, and level transmitters. These systems are in place at both sewage pumping stations and water distribution points to ensure smooth operations, real-time data monitoring, and safe water management.
Treatment of wastewater
IIT Gandhinagar has an operational sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 0.6 million liters per day. Raw sewage from the campus is collected and pumped to this STP through a network of pipes, following a systematic treatment process: Primary Sedimentation, Anaerobic Treatment, Root Zone Treatment, Sand Filtration, Ultrafiltration, and UV Disinfection.
Through these six stages, the STP at IIT Gandhinagar effectively treats sewage to produce effluent that meets the required standards for reuse. This system not only enables efficient wastewater treatment but also supports the Institute’s sustainable water management practices, ensuring that treated water is safe for various campus uses like irrigation for landscape management and flushing in toilets, etc.
Water reuse
IIT Gandhinagar has implemented a comprehensive system to measure and manage water reuse across its campus, focusing on sewage treatment, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water distribution.
Two primary sewage pumping stations handle nearly 2.5 million litres per day, respectively, and monitor flow, pressure, and water levels. The collected sewage undergoes treatment in an on-campus Sewage Treatment Plant that includes anaerobic reactors and a root-zone system. A majority of treated sewage is reused for landscape irrigation, aligning with the Institute’s “zero discharge” policy.
The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) treats low-TDS water sourced from the Narmada Canal, reducing the need for reverse osmosis and conserving water. IITGN has also established a rainwater harvesting system with rooftop collection across 42,000 square metres, connected to storage tanks known as “Jal Mandaps.” This system has a capacity of more than 25,000 cubic metres, enough to supply the campus for about 40 days during the monsoon season.
Through integrated sewage recycling, rainwater harvesting, and optimised water distribution, IIT Gandhinagar effectively tracks and maximises water reuse, minimising reliance on external water sources and promoting environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Water Extraction Technologies
IIT Gandhinagar employs a sustainable approach to water extraction, treatment, and reuse to support its semi-arid campus environment, minimising reliance on external resources. The primary source of water for the campus is the Narmada Canal, which provides low-TDS water that does not require extensive reverse osmosis, thereby conserving water by reducing purification waste.
For wastewater, the Institute has established an advanced Sewage Treatment Plant with anaerobic reactors and a root-zone treatment system to recycle water effectively. This system allows for nearly 75% of treated sewage to be reused for campus landscaping and irrigation, achieving a “zero discharge” goal, which further reduces the demand on extracted water resources.
By utilising rainwater harvesting, sustainable low-TDS water sourcing, and wastewater recycling, IITGN minimises its dependence on external water sources and promotes sustainable water management both on and off campus.
Free Drinking Water
IIT Gandhinagar provides free drinking water across the entire campus. Drinking water stations/ fountains are installed on every floor of all buildings, ensuring accessibility for students, staff, and visitors. Additionally, the campus maintains a policy against selling packaged water bottles at any of its outlets, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and reducing single-use plastic waste.
Water usage minimisation
IIT Gandhinagar actively promotes conscious water usage across its campus through a comprehensive range of water-efficient practices. The institution has implemented numerous water-saving initiatives, such as the installation of waterless urinals, water-saving aerators on taps, sinks, and faucets, and dual-flush systems in restrooms to minimise water consumption in daily use. Solar water heaters on residential building rooftops contribute to efficient energy and water use by reducing demand on conventional water heating systems.
In addition, IIT Gandhinagar’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) processes raw water from the Narmada Canal, making it suitable for fresh water use, which varies seasonally. The campus also recycles treated sewage water and uses rejected WTP water for irrigation, effectively reducing waste. High-pressure float valves in overhead tanks prevent overflow, further reducing water wastage.
By integrating these systems, IIT Gandhinagar ensures both sustainable water usage and energy efficiency on campus. These initiatives exemplify the university’s commitment to sustainable resource management and serve as a model for conscious water usage in campus infrastructure development.
Landscapes for minimising water usage
IIT Gandhinagar has planned its campus landscape with a strong emphasis on water conservation by prioritising drought-tolerant plant species that require minimal irrigation. These plants are carefully selected and placed across different zones of the campus to create a sustainable green cover while minimising water use. Suitable plant species have been identified for green connector areas, circulation network, ravine land and boundary areas, all of which are resilient to drought and can thrive in dry conditions.
Examples of these species include Albizzia lebbeck, Butea monosperma, Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Delonix regia, Acacia tortilis, Salvodora oleoides, and Pongamia pinnata among others. These trees contribute to the overall landscape with limited water input, reducing the environmental footprint of the campus’ green spaces.
By selecting and positioning these drought-tolerant plants strategically, IIT Gandhinagar has effectively minimised its landscape water needs, contributing to resource conservation and creating a sustainable environment that aligns with the Institute’s eco-friendly vision.
