Water Conservation at SRPF 1, Pune

Pune and its surrounding areas have long experienced recurring droughts, with several talukas officially classified as drought-prone. The SRPF 1 campus, located in Ramtekdi taluka, spans 250 acres and houses nearly 4,000 resident officers and staff. It receives about 700 mm of rainfall annually and is especially vulnerable to seasonal water shortages. Hence, the campus relies on water tankers to meet its daily requirements during the dry months.

To resolve this issue, CERE, in collaboration with Natural Solutions, supported by Hinduja Foundation, implemented Rainwater Harvesting and Wastewater Recycling at SRPF 1. Additionally, to expand green cover to counter rising temperatures and recurring droughts, 2,400 trees were planted. They will reduce soil erosion, surface runoff, and water scarcity, along hill slopes and recharge trenches where they are planted.

Project Impact

• Enhanced rainwater recharge by 200 million litres annually through the development of water absorption trenches and shallow aquifer recharge systems. In addition, the initiative will reduce surface runoff by 15 million litres. This will lead to a total recharge of 215 million litres of water annually.
• 24 million litres of pond water will be recycled, which will improve oxygen levels in the water, reduce stagnation, and minimise conditions that promote algal growth.
• 21.9 million litres of the wastewater will be recycled, which will either replenish aquifers or be made available for non-potable applications.