Page 65 - Shelter - April 2025

CASE STUDY

were selected for the project in key challenges identified water stations, along with
Gurgaon GMSPS Panchawali, through a comprehensive landscaping improvements
Gurugram and GMGSPS, survey. A primary focus of to create a conducive learning
Kanhai Gurugram, Haryana the initiative was to enhance atmosphere.
with a total strength of 557 water resilience by integrating
students. Decentralised Wastewater To ensure the long-term
Treatment Systems (DEWATs) success of these interventions,
The project is structured for wastewater recycling the project incorporated
around two key components. and reuse in landscaping, capacity-building programs
The first aspect focuses on along with the installation of for both staff and students,
infrastructure improvements a rainwater harvesting unit focusing on hygiene
aimed at enhancing resilience and a groundwater recharge education, sanitation
and self-sufficiency within pit. These interventions practices, and behaviour
the school environment. This aimed to reduce reliance on change communication.
includes upgrading WASH conventional water sources, By engaging students in
facilities, implementing such as the Jal Board, decision-making processes
water conservation measures, thereby promoting long- through regular cabinet
and integrating sustainable term self-sufficiency in water meetings, the initiative
waste management systems management. fostered a sense of ownership
to ensure long-term resource and responsibility. Ultimately,
efficiency. The second aspect In addition to water the project aimed to establish
involves Behaviour Change sustainability, the project a safe, healthy, and supportive
Communication (BCC) emphasised solid waste school environment, fostering
activities, designed to instil management through the holistic development of
good hygiene practices the implementation of a students while equipping
among students and staff. Zero Waste School model, them with essential
Through interactive sessions, integrating a Sustainable Solid knowledge and skills for
workshops, and participatory Waste Management Plan with sustainability and resilience.
learning methods, the a Green Infrastructure Plan.
project encourages a culture This included the construction 4. Methodology
of health, cleanliness, and of compost pits for organic The project follows a
environmental responsibility. waste decomposition. The structural approach,
By addressing both physical compost generated from the focusing on environmental
infrastructure and behavioural pits is utilised for landscaping sustainability and reusing
change, the initiative seeks to of the school. A structured the resources. Followed
improve overall well-being dry waste disposal system is up by shortlisting the
and promote long-term established in collaboration schools based on need of
sustainability within the with the municipal waste infrastructure, and behaviour
school community. collectors. Furthermore, change communication of
the project upgraded children through profile
3. Objective
child-friendly WASH assessment and transect
The Resilient School project infrastructure, including walk for vulnerability
was designed to create a the retrofitting of toilets, assessment. The insights
child-friendly, sustainable, installation of handwashing gathered during the transect
and self-sufficient learning platforms, and provision walk feed into stakeholder
environment by addressing of dedicated drinking discussions with teachers,

April, 2025, Volume 26. No.1 - SHELTER 63