IIT Tirupati Stores Rainwater Sufficient to Meet Its Needs For Up to Six Months

TIRUPATI:  While water scarcity remains a recurring challenge in many parts of the country during summer, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati has developed an integrated water management system that captures and stores around 80 million litres of rainwater, enough to meet the campus' requirements for up to six months every year.

Spread across 548 acres near Yerpedu, the institute has transformed two small ponds into interconnected lakes covering nearly 10 acres. The lakes form part of a closed-loop watershed system designed to retain rainwater within the campus and prevent it from flowing away as runoff.

According to IIT Tirupati Horticulture officer G.V. Subba Reddy, the two lakes together can store around 80 million litres of water. "Our objective is to retain every drop of rainfall that reaches the campus. The stored water is used for gardening, landscaping, and construction activities, reducing dependence on external water sources. The storage capacity is sufficient to support campus requirements for four to six months annually", he said.

Further, the lakes contribute to groundwater recharge, helping improve local aquifers and benefiting nearby farming communities. To strengthen water conservation efforts, the campus has developed an interconnected pond network that uses the site's natural topography to channel and store rainwater.

In addition, the IIT has incorporated sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), including bioswales, vegetated infiltration zones, and permeable pavements, which help slow stormwater flow, improve groundwater recharge and enhance water quality before it reaches the lakes. The system also reduces runoff and minimises flooding during heavy rainfall.

"The institute operates two sewage treatment plants to treat wastewater generated on the campus. The treated water is reused through micro-irrigation systems for landscaping, greenery, and constructions, reducing freshwater consumption and supporting our goal of becoming a zero-water-discharge campus," Subba Reddy said.

The institute's efforts in water conservation, wastewater recycling, and environmental management earned national recognition when IIT Tirupati secured the sixth rank in the Swachh Campus rankings in 2019. Building on these initiatives, the institute has integrated ecological restoration into campus development. Large stretches of native vegetation have been designated as "Minimum Development Zones", where construction activities are prohibited to protect natural habitats and wildlife movement corridors.

The institute has a 4.5-acre living gene bank of plants, housing 206 rare and vulnerable plant species. A dedicated nursery propagates native plants for landscaping and habitat restoration across the campus.

Apart from supporting water storage and groundwater recharge, the lakes are used as recreational spaces by students and staff. Boating facilities, walking tracks and green areas have been developed around these water bodies.