Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) is a prestigious university in India that not only is an epitome of academic success, but also environment conscious.
As per their sustainability report, IIT Kanpur is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
The institute prioritizes responsible water use, implementing water recycling, reuse, and expanding rainwater harvesting.
These efforts highlight IITK's strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In 2022, the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, backed ‘Kritsnam Technologies’, a start-up born in IIT Kanpur, with INR 3.29 Cr to develop a smart water monitoring system.
Find out more about IIT Kanpur and their initiatives below.
Indian Institute Technology, Kanpur
IIT Kanpur, established in 1959, is one of India's premier engineering and technology institutions.
It is an eminent government-funded institution for technical education. It has been among the top five engineering colleges in India for many years now.
Renowned for its academic excellence, the institute offers cutting-edge research and education across various disciplines.
IITK is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability, with a focus on addressing global challenges through advanced research.
The campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant community of scholars. IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in technological advancements and sustainable development.
IIT Kanpur is located in the Ganga Basin, where the groundwater levels have been depleting YoY, being a clear sign that water needs to be conserved for a better tomorrow.
Recommended Read: Causes Of Rapid Groundwater Depletion In India & Its Solutions
What challenges is the Ganga Basin facing?
Groundwater storage levels in the Ganga basin have been declining by 2.6 cm per year since 1996. In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal it was estimated that there was a decrease of 2 cm/yr, 1 cm/yr and .6cm/yr respectively.
IIT Kanpur lies close to the river Ganges. Presently, the Ganges basin faces several challenges including:
Climate Changes
The melting glaciers that feed the Ganges are getting reduced over time. It is causing more droughts.
Human Interferences
People divert water to meet their agricultural needs, The building of dams and barrages also interferes with the natural flow of the river.
Construction
Construction activities on flood plains alter runoff patterns, increase pollution and reduce groundwater recharge.
River Bed Agriculture
Chemical pesticides like DDT and HCH defile the riverbed, affecting its aquatic creatures and breeding areas.
The Largest Consumers of Water in the Ganga Basin
More than 60 % of the population living along the Ganges depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Land and surface water degradation has made it difficult to maintain productivity on the irrigated plains of the Ganges.
The depletion of the Ganga River would affect how much water can be used by agriculturalists through surface irrigation and possibly lead to reduced food production in years to come.
This drop in river flow affects the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations which are expected by 2030. Researchers also found that low river flows impact the dilution of water pollution.
Recommended Read: Top Water Conservation Projects To Preserve Our Environment
Addressing Water Problems Using Science
Several scientific studies have shown that improving existing food irrigation mechanisms, replacing crops with those that use less water, reducing over-pumping of groundwater, rejuvenating aquifers and controlling recharge can significantly help eradicate water problems.
Farmers can minimize agricultural pollution caused by pesticides and fertilizers by improving water use efficiency in agriculture. Techniques such as water conservation technologies can increase yields and farmer’s income.
Research About Monitoring Water Consumption
You can understand water use patterns and discover leaks and inefficiencies by monitoring water use. Most wastewater goes directly to the sewer without monitoring, thus allowing some of the leakages to be undetected. As a result, you end up paying excessive water and wastewater charges.
The most popular method for water monitoring is by reading the mechanical water meter put in place by the water utility firm.
These meters usually have dials that indicate how much water has been used. The readings would then be recorded regularly by homeowners as well as property management teams to monitor their water usage.
Recommended Read: How Smart Water Meters Can Help Users Manage Water Consumption In Real-Time
Role of flow meters in Water Measurement
A flow meter is a device that reads the rate of flow of liquid through a pipe or hose but also takes an aggregate reading; thus recording exact batch amounts or total volume flows over time.
They are used to monitor water usage, track sewage flow, detect leaks, support regulations for water conservation, etc.
Dhaara Smart is a battery-powered meter, developed by Kritsnam at the Indian Institute of Technology that employs ultrasound technology to evaluate, trap and announce water flow.
It has an inbuilt telemetry that users can remotely access from any computer or mobile phone. This eliminates the need for visits to sites or manually monitoring data.
Recommended Read: All You Need To Know About Different Types of Flow Meters
Importance Of Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater recharge refers to the deep percolation or deep drainage movement of water from an unsaturated zone in soils or rocks into deeper saturated zones called aquifers that help recharge groundwater reserves.
Groundwater is crucial for the sustenance of the human race on planet Earth. Half of the world’s population drinks its tap water directly from groundwater sources while 43% is used for irrigation purposes alone. 2.5 billion people around the globe rely solely on groundwater resources to meet their basic daily needs for water.
Water Measurement and Its Importance
Several reasons make water monitoring essential:
Water Sharing
A precise assessment of the amount of water consumed and discharged by different sectors is very important in policy formulation.
Environmental Flows
Water measurement is vital in ascertaining adherence to environmental flow management requirements.
Water Use Management
It’s necessary to properly manage and conserve water supplies when it’s a lifeline for agriculture, industry, urban users, and recreation.
Water Quality
Measuring the quality of water helps identify and prevent pollution, thus ensuring safe drinking water and other uses.
Recommended Read: Ways to Conserve Water: Easy And Effective Tips
Conclusion
Groundwater levels in different parts of the country are diminishing due to continuous withdrawal because of increased demand for freshwater for various uses, erratic rainfall patterns, population growth, industrialization and urbanization.
It's high time we all come together to preserve water and create an impact for a better tomorrow.
Recommended Read: How HMWS&SB Is Changing The Water Conservation Game
