Degaon School – Rainwater Harvesting Project

Introduction

Karm Prathisthan has undertaken a Rainwater Harvesting Project at a local government school in Degaon, Satara. This initiative aims to address water scarcity through sustainable methods while educating students about environmental conservation. The project involves installation of a rooftop rainwater harvesting system that fulfills the school’s needs and recharges groundwater.

Objectives

Ensure a sustainable and independent water source for the school. Reduce dependency on unreliable external water supplies. Educate students through real-world environmental applications. Promote water conservation practices in the local community.

Methodology

Site Assessment: Rooftop area was evaluated for system design. Installation: Work in progress for rainwater collection, filtration, and storage with soak pits. Community Involvement: Teachers and volunteers are helping ensure long-term maintenance. Educational Integration: System will be integrated into curriculum for hands-on learning.

Program Team

Archana Deshmukh — MA (Political Science), M.S.W., M.Phil. Lecturer, expert in community development and women’s empowerment. Dr. Sudhir Anna Saheb Kumbhar — B.Sc., M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D. Retired teacher and environmentalist with 25+ awards in ecological studies.

Cost Involved

Requirement and cost: JCB 5½ hrs — 5,950 Rs, Boulders 10 trolley — 15,000 Rs, Stones — 6,000 Rs, Pipe Maintenance — 2,500 Rs, Greet 2 brass — 7,600 Rs, Crushed Stone 2 brass — 5,000 Rs. Total: 42,050 Rs.

Catchment Area Cost

PVC Panali 300ft and fittings, transport, labour — 56,342 Rs, Civil Material, Chamber, PVC fitting — 33,785 Rs, PVC Pipes (4” & 6”), bends, sockets, etc. — 23,960 Rs, Inspection Work — 5,000 Rs, Expert Remuneration — 10,000 Rs. Total: 1,29,087 Rs.

Outcomes & Impact

Reliable water source for sanitation, gardening, and mid-day meals. Groundwater recharge through soak pits. Environmental awareness among students and teachers. Model project for replication across other schools.

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Limited technical knowledge — Solution: Provided expert guidance and training. Challenge: Initial reluctance — Solution: Conducted awareness sessions to build trust.

Conclusion

This Rainwater Harvesting Project at Degaon School demonstrates grassroots action for sustainable water management. It enhances education, community involvement, and ecological awareness—ensuring every drop counts for a better future.

Call to Action

Support us in creating water-smart campuses across Satara. Partner with us to build awareness, install systems, and empower communities. Contact: info@karmprathisthan.org