Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) @ SR University

  • SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
Sustainable Water Management and Environmental Protection at SR University

SR University (SRU) is strongly committed to Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation through responsible water governance, advanced treatment technologies, and a campus-wide culture of conservation. The University integrates scientific planning, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and innovative infrastructure to ensure that water is used efficiently, recycled effectively, and safeguarded for future generations. SRU’s approach encompasses continuous monitoring, low-impact design, pollution prevention, and collaborative initiatives that protect water resources both on campus and in surrounding regions.

Water Governance, Policies, and Monitoring Mechanisms

Comprehensive Water Usage: SR University follows a formal Water Usage and Conservation Policy that mandates responsible usage, minimizes wastage, prevents any polluted water from entering the natural environment, and promotes reuse and recycling. This policy guides water management across academic, residential, recreational, and laboratory spaces.

Measurement and Tracking: SRU maintains a robust water measurement and auditing mechanism to track:

  • Total volume of water drawn from open wells, borewells, and groundwater aquifers
  • Daily and monthly water usage across buildings, hostels, labs, and landscaping
  • Quantity of water reused and recycled
  • Water levels in wells and recharge structures

Metering systems and automated monitoring processes ensure accurate reporting, which supports long-term sustainability planning and compliance with environmental standards.

Prevention of Water Pollution: SRU ensures that no untreated or contaminated water ever enters natural water bodies. The campus enforces:

  • Closed drainage networks
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of sewage pipelines
  • Immediate response mechanisms for leakages or contamination risks

Environmental audits confirm that water pollution is completely avoided across the campus.

Eco-Friendly Building Standards: The University implements water-efficient building guidelines that include:

  • Low-flow fixtures across all buildings
  • Leak-proof plumbing infrastructure
  • Sensor-based taps and bubble-flow taps
  • Dual flush systems (big/small push buttons)
  • Efficient sanitation design to minimize water use

These standards ensure water efficiency is embedded into the physical fabric of the campus.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment, Reedbed Systems, and Reuse Innovation

Reedbed-Based Natural Treatment System: SRU has implemented a reedbed treatment facility, which uses natural wetland vegetation to treat wastewater. This nature-based solution:

  • Enhances treatment efficiency
  • Reduces energy requirements
  • Supports biodiversity
  • Demonstrates low-cost, eco-friendly treatment innovation

This system is used as a living laboratory for environmental science and engineering students.

Reuse of Treated Water: SRU implements large-scale water recycling, with nearly 20% of total water demand met through treated wastewater. The treated water is used for:

  • Gardening and landscaping
  • Lawns and plantations
  • Roadside greenery

This significantly reduces dependence on freshwater sources and supports sustainable operations.

Rainwater Harvesting and Campus-Wide Conservation Infrastructure

Rainwater Harvesting Systems: All academic blocks, hostels, and administrative buildings include

  • Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems
  • Percolation pits
  • Recharge wells
  • Stormwater channels designed for natural collection

The entire campus topography is contoured so that surface runoff flows into recharge structures, restoring groundwater levels and sustaining open wells.

Well and Borewell Recharge Mechanisms: SR University uses scientific methods to

  • Recharge dried wells and borewells
  • Increase groundwater retention
  • Promote percolation through bunds and recharge pits

Special attention is given to recharging campus wells to ensure long-term water security.

Water Bunds and Surface Runoff Management: SRU has constructed

  • Water bunds to increase groundwater percolation
  • Check bunds to control runoff speed

These structures help maintain ecological balance and strengthen natural hydrology.

Water Tolerant and Native Plantation: The campus is landscaped with drought-tolerant species, including around 10,000 neem trees, native shrubs, and low-water-demand plants. This approach reduces irrigation needs while improving green cover and air quality.

Storage and Distribution Infrastructure: To ensure reliable water supply, SRU maintains

  • Multiple water sumps for bulk storage
  • Overhead tanks for efficient distribution
  • A pipeline network connecting all buildings and hostels
  • Dedicated potable water storage systems

This ensures uninterrupted access to clean water throughout the campus.

Responsive image
Responsive image
Responsive image
Responsive image
Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water and Awareness Programs

Free and Safe Drinking Water: SR University provides free purified drinking water to all students, staff, faculty, and visitors through:

  • RO-filtered water stations
  • Purified water dispensers in hostels
  • Strategic placement of water units across all blocks

Regular testing ensures the highest standards of drinking water quality.

Water Conservation Awareness and Student Engagement: The University actively involves students in awareness initiatives. The NSS, sustainability clubs, and other student groups conduct:

  • Save water campaigns
  • Rallies and awareness drives
  • Workshops on water conservation
  • Competitions on sustainable practices
  • Community education programs in nearby villages

These activities build a culture of environmental responsibility.

Signage: To encourage responsible usage, SRU has installed:

  • “Save Water, Save Energy” boards in all washrooms
  • Awareness signboards on water-efficient behaviors
  • Visual reminders for turning off taps and avoiding wastage

These cues reinforce everyday conservation habits.

Community Engagement, Research, and Partnerships for Water Sustainability

Outreach and Capacity Building: SR University’s commitment to water sustainability extends beyond campus. The University conducts programs in rural and semi-urban communities related to:

  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Household water purification
  • Water-efficient agriculture
  • Awareness on groundwater protection

Student volunteers and faculty members regularly visit schools and villages to promote sustainable practices.

Research and Innovation in Water Management: Faculty and students engage in research on:

  • Water quality assessment
  • Sustainable irrigation technologies
  • Natural wastewater treatment
  • Hydrological modelling
  • Environmental impact studies

The campus itself serves as a living laboratory for hands-on learning.

Collaborations and MoUs: SR University collaborates with

  • Local governing bodies
  • Regional water authorities
  • Environmental organizations
  • NGOs

These partnerships support large-scale awareness programs, technical solutions, and community water security projects.

SR University’s approach to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is comprehensive, innovative, and impact-driven. Through well-defined policies, precise monitoring, advanced treatment facilities, natural reedbed systems, rainwater harvesting structures, and widespread awareness programs, SRU ensures sustainable and responsible water management. By integrating sustainable technologies, eco-friendly buildings, community-oriented initiatives, and research-driven practices, the University not only safeguards water resources for its campus but also contributes meaningfully to regional environmental sustainability. SRU remains firmly committed to shaping a water-secure future through education, innovation, and responsible stewardship.