Rainwater to be harvested at Andhra University to beat water scarcity

VISAKHAPATNAM: In an effort to conserve run-off water on its campus and recharge groundwater levels, Andhra University has set up 150 rain water harvesting (RWH) pits and four check dams in its premises. The water conserved will be utilised to meet the needs of hostels and varsity buildings in case of water scarcity during the summer.
The water harvested in Andhra University is also pumped to other pipelines in the surrounding low-lying residential areas like MVP colony, East Point colony and Chinna Waltair.
According to the vice chancellor of the varsity, G Nageswara Rao, “Around 1.5 crores was sanctioned by the department of science and technology to set up check dams and RWH systems with geo-meters in the University. This is the first university in the state to install RWH pits.”
Speaking to TOI, the VC also said that construction of two overhead tanks, each with 50 lakh litres is on the cards. One tank will be constructed in the North campus, the other will be constructed in the South campus. “The construction of overhead tanks will help reduce wastage of water. E-tenders will be initiated by the end of the month,” he said.