Page 46 - HUDCO Award for Best Practices - 2024

THEME: SANITATION

were involved in development of the biogas plants. The responsibility of proper segregation and disposal of waste has been taken
up by the entire IITGN community with the efforts being spearheaded by the Green Office – a body comprising of IITGN faculty
members and staff.

MOBILISATION OF RESOURCES
The financial, technical and human resources involved in the development of the sewage treatment plant, the biogas plant and the
compost pits were through the main funds of construction of the permanent campus of IITGN, i.e., they were part of the planning
of the main campus and were hence, allocated within the same resources. Central Public Works Department (CPWD) was the
project monitoring unit that helped IITGN establish these facilities. The IWD of IITGN is responsible for regular functioning and
maintenance of these systems.

THE PROCESS

Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): Since IITGN undertook the first large scale use of Canna plants to establish its eco-friendly STP, the
initial operations were very challenging. The problems were solved with collaborative efforts by engineers from IWD and CPWD.
Since its commissioning, IWD has been closely monitoring its functioning along with the quality of the output recycled water.

Biogas plant: The biogas plant was initially designed for 1 MT capacity. However, its operations have seen several challenges, primarily
in maintaining appropriate pH in the digester for proper production of gas. Over a period of time, the plant was established by the
IWD (with help from BARC) and a dosage of about 300 kg per day along with periodic feeding of cow-dung slurry works best for the
biogas plant. The IWD engineers have been engaged in regular monitoring and upkeep of the biogas plant.

Waste segregation practices: Adoption of waste segregation practices was one of the most challenging tasks primarily due to the
fact that most of the residents were not properly following such practices before living at the IIT campus. The natural tendencies to
produce mixed waste were very high and even though provision of separate bins was made for collection, not many residents were
depositing the waste in segregated condition. This was tackled through the constitution of a Green Office within campus to initiate
timely efforts to educate everyone regarding segregation practices. A system for collection of segregated waste at block-level was also
instituted through which, a couple of housekeeping persons go to each housing block for collection of waste. An external consultant
was approached for further help in this matter. Gradually, policies were formulated by the Green Office regarding proper segregation
and disposal of waste, which are given along with the housing lease agreement to all potential residents. Waste segregation and
collection guidelines were also established for all campus eateries and shops. These guidelines indicate how to segregate waste and
provide information pertaining to non-use of disposable utensils, polybags, etc. For periodic boost of the morale and the general
state of affairs, the Green Office keeps organizing events focused on promoting green practices. Very recently, the Environment Day
and Swachhata Pakhwada were celebrated at IITGN through the Green Office. The Green Office does not confine itself within the
premises of IITGN and extends its activities to the neighbouring villages. It conducts awareness programs in the nearby villages and
promotes the practices for proper segregation and disposal of waste. The students of IITGN are also very actively engaged in such
activities. As part of the Foundation Program, the first-year undergraduate students undertake a small area every year and do a
cleanliness drive in the area.
RESULTS ACHIEVED

IITGN campus is a zero-discharge campus with all of its sewage being treated inside its eco-friendly sewage treatment plant (STP).
The STP treats about 7.5 lakh litres of sewage everyday which gives 7 lakh litres of recycled water and manure for horticulture works
within the campus. The practices for solid waste segregation and disposal have been gradually instituted in the community and
indicate a significant change in the behaviour and the attitude of residents with respect to waste segregation. Involvement of students
through the various social outreach activities of IITGN have been appreciated by the local community. Students actively participate
in awareness missions and cleanliness drives throughout the local vicinity. The STP, biogas plant and compost pits produce organic
manure which is readily utilized for horticulture works within campus and adds to the efforts of maintaining a green campus. Use
of food waste from the mess for feeding of street animals in designated areas reinforces IITGN’s core principle of inclusiveness.
Furthermore, by producing usable recycled water through STP and electricity through biogas plant (average 6 kWh/ day), IITGN is
able to generate resources and energy from waste. Every year IITGN is harvesting water in Jalmandaps which can supply to the entire
campus for 15 to 20 days.

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