School and Community Water Literacy Project

Svarnim Puducherry, in collaboration with the Sri Aurobindo Society and Alliance for Good Governance (AGG), organized a Conversation on ‘Circular Water’ by Er.U.N Ravikumar from Mysore. The event took place on August 27, 2022, as part of the World Water Week 2022. The meeting witnessed the participation of academics, representatives from water user associations, and AGG partners. During the presentation, Er. U.N. Ravikumar shed light on the mismanagement of water and explored potential solutions that could be implemented. The discussion sparked the idea of organizing a Monsoon festival in Puducherry, where various solutions and studies could be implemented within schools and communities.

Svarnim Puducherry's Water Literacy Program is making significant strides as it is now being implemented in 10 government schools across Puducherry. The program aims to educate and empower students about water conservation and management. One of the engaging training activities conducted in July involved hands-on learning through the measurement of rainfall using rain gauges. In collaboration with their teachers, students actively participated in this exercise that promotes experiential learning. To facilitate this activity, 10 rain gauges have been installed in the schools, enabling students to measure and record daily rainfall data in their respective school registers. By involving students in the process of measuring rainfall, the program seeks to generate awareness and interest in understanding the amount of rain received and its potential for various purposes, such as groundwater recharge or harvesting. This knowledge is crucial as it prevents the wastage of valuable rainwater through runoff. As part of the Water Literacy Program, rooftop harvesting systems have been installed in all 10 schools, further emphasizing the importance of capturing and utilizing rainwater. Through the Water Literacy Program, Svarnim Puducherry is nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and conserve water resources.

Svarnim Puducherry recognizes the importance of meteorological data. To fulfill this need, Svarnim has established an automatic weather station, providing the public with instant access to valuable weather information. This is the only automatic weather station in the District. The automatic weather station serves as a hub for real-time meteorological data. Individuals can retrieve current and past weather information at different intervals, including minute-wise, hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. This accessibility enables users to stay informed about weather patterns within the district.

Svarnim Puducherry, in collaboration with various government bodies and organizations such as Vigyan Prasar, DST, Govt of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science & Technology, and Keep Namma Pondy Clean, recently organized a series of impactful events as part of the Clean Coast Safe Sea Campaign. Kicking off the campaign on September 9th, Svarnim organized a Beach Clean-up, which saw the enthusiastic participation of notable individuals such as Mr. PT Rudra Goud, Director of School, Higher and Technical Education, Govt of Puducherry, Dr. TV Venkateswaran, a Senior Scientist from Vigyan Prasar, and Mr. Srikumar from Ariviyal Palgai. The event aimed to foster collective action and improve ocean health through citizen-led efforts. In addition to the Beach Clean-up, Dr. Sriperumal Chandrakasan, the Director of Zoological Survey of India, A&N Islands, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Coastal biodiversity of India. The lecture, held on September 9th at Motilal Nehru Govt. Polytechnic College, attracted more than 200 students from various educational institutions across Puducherry. The campaign further engaged the community through a series of competitions centered around the theme of Clean Coasts Safe Seas. These competitions took place in 21 schools, 13 community centers, and two child-care institutions, namely Satya Special School and Udhavikarangal. With over 1500 enthusiastic youth and students participating, the program aimed to raise awareness and promote active involvement in preserving Puducherry's natural heritage. Building on the success of the initial Beach Clean-up, Svarnim Puducherry organized another event on September 17th. This time, the Beach Clean-up was inaugurated by Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon'ble Lt. Governor of Puducherry, adding a significant impetus to the ongoing efforts.

As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the diverse values of water and enhance students' ability to effectively express their perceptions, Svarnim Puducherry organized a series of workshops throughout September. The workshops were facilitated by Dr. Sara Ahmed and Sukrit Sen, experts from the Living Waters Museum, a global program by UNESCO. In a public talk held at the Beach Office auditorium, they engaged in a participatory discussion with members of Sri Aurobindo Society, Auroville, and Pondicherry University, exploring the connection between the tangible and intangible aspects of water. The discussion also delved into the use of water and sound sciences as pedagogical tool. Additionally, students were introduced to the innovative technique of 360-degree photography. Using the front and rear lenses of their smartphones, they learned to capture stunning panoramic photos of the ponds adopted by their respective schools. These photographs were automatically geotagged and made accessible on Google Street Maps, allowing people from all over the world to view them.

On 15th September 2022, the Alliance for Good Governance (AGG) and Svarnim Puducherry jointly presented a proposal for the Monsoon Festival at the Directorate of School Education. The meeting was attended by key participants from the Education Department, including teachers from their Science Corner Resource Centre, as well as senior officials such as Mr. Dinakar, the State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, Ms. Sivagami, the Joint Director of Education, and Mr. Nadanasabapathy, the Deputy Director of Women's Education.

Svarnim successfully concluded participatory water audits with the initial set of 10 schools in November 2022. The audits were conducted as part of Svarnim's ongoing efforts to raise children's awareness of the importance of water conservation and to enhance their ability to communicate effectively about water issues. During the audits, students from each school were trained on how to conduct water audits and collect data on water usage. They then used this data to identify areas where water could be saved. The students also developed presentations and posters to share their findings with their schools and communities.

Dr. Sudevi Basu, an environmental engineering faculty member from the Department of Biotechnology Engineering at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, visited Puducherry to enlighten and inspire the local community. A volunteer with Svarnim, Dr. Basu embarked on field visits to assess the waste management facilities and the lone open landfill site in Pondicherry. She also inspected unregulated sewage in the peri-urban areas of Pondicherry, expressing concern over the significant waste and the absence of effective waste management systems. Following this, Dr. Basu delivered a thought-provoking talk on circular waste on 12th November at the Society Auditorium. Circular waste is an economic approach that emphasizes reducing and reusing material waste through a continuous process of repurposing used items to create new products. This approach has the potential to lower costs and extend the lifespan of infrastructure like roads. During her engaging presentation, Dr. Basu elucidated the advantages of circular waste and shared insights on its implementation in Puducherry. She also recounted her experiences in collaborating with other communities to establish circular waste systems. Dr. Basu's talk served as a catalyst, prompting members of Puducherry's civil society to share their own experiences in managing local solid waste. Notably, proactive suggestions emerged from this fruitful interaction, especially from the dedicated school teachers from the fishing community of Bahour. We hope that the collective efforts of the community are poised to bring about positive change and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

In honour of World Water Day, the Svarnim Puducherry team staged the Water Fest '24 valedictory event at Gandhi Thindal. Dr. Vinoth Kumar from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, gave a welcome speech during the occasion, which was well-planned by the Sri Aurobindo Society. The event was introduced by Raghunath T.P., director of Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, and Joy Ganguly, from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS. The event was honoured by a handful of groups, including the Confederation of Puducherry Government Employees, the Alliance for Good Governance, and Mahindra Holidays and Resorts. Dr. T. Sundararaman, from Pondicherry Science Forum, delivered a special address, and Geetha D., from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, presented the vote of thanks. Furthermore, the Svarnim Puducherry group engaged the public with street theatre at Gandhi Thindal and enlightened them about the vital role of water and the necessity for it for future generations. In the Puducherry region, the Svarnim Puducherry crew staged street plays in 14 villages that inspired people to protect the environment and conserve water.

As part of World Water Day, the Svarnim Puducherry team organized the Water Fest ‘24 valedictory event at Gandhi Thindal. Dr. Vinoth Kumar of Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, gave a welcome speech during the occasion, which was organized by the Sri Aurobindo Society. The event was introduced by Raghunath T.P., director of Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, and Joy Ganguly from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS. Various organizations, including Mahindra Holidays and Resorts, the Alliance for Good Governance, and the Confederation of Puducherry Government Employees, felicitated the event. Dr. T. Sundararaman, from Pondicherry Science Forum, delivered a special address, and Geetha D., from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, presented the vote of thanks. Furthermore, from February 27 to March 22, 2024, the Svarnim Puducherry carried out a workshop at Kalanjiyam, Bahour, on handicrafts made with water hyacinth as part of a livelihood training program for women. Through the use of invasive species as a source of livelihood, the handicrafts were all on exhibit at Gandhi Thindal to educate the public about the repurposing of water hyacinths and to complement conservation initiatives.

The "Harmony of Waters" conference, held from March 19th to 22nd at Sharanam, Puducherry under the direction of Sri Aurobindo Society aimed at addressing water conservation, sustainability, and ecosystem restoration challenges in India. The speakers and participants included national-level experts on wetlands, research scholars, conservationists, activists, and students from all around India. The inaugural session started with a keynote address from T.P. Raghunath, Director of Svarnim Puducherry, followed by bioregional experts who presented their findings. The second day focused on community, economics, law, and policy, with presentations on the political ecology of aquaculture, economic evaluation of ecosystem services, coastal transformation, fishermen's well-being, and a plenary talk on the Central Asian Flyway. The following day focused on ecosystems and restoration, with much of the presentations on groundwater management in India, microplastic and heavy metal accumulation in mangrove and lagoon ecosystems, avian diversity in Puducherry Bioregion, citizen science initiatives, and odonates. The plenary talk of the final day delved into the limnology of the wetlands. On the final day, Mr. Avinash Madhale discussed various topics, including the Centre for Environment Education, Development vs. Environment discourse, Society and Economics, and Sustainable Development Competence. After lunch, Mr. Avinash continued the discussion with a round table talk and a suggestive policy session. Finally, the conference ended with a valedictory function at Gandhi Thidal as a part of World Water Day 2024. The event was signed off with a skit on Water Commons, Water Hyacinth handicrafts, and a recycle stall exhibition, with overwhelming participation from the organizers and the general public.

Manappattu, which is located in the southern region of Puducherry, is a charming village with a variety of ecosystems. The community is surrounded by abundant natural features, such as serene ponds, traditional trees, dunes, and lush paddy fields. The 23 ponds which make up Manapattu's core are a legacy carefully tended to by ancestors who paid close attention to the water dynamics of the area. In the past, these ponds provided for the everyday requirements of the people and were essential waterways. Encapsulating the core of conventional water management, they relieved thirst, assisted with bathing customs, cleaned clothing, and watered fields. Unfortunately, these ponds were forgotten for a while once borewell farming became popular. As modernity progressed, they progressively lost value despite their historical significance. With community cooperation, the Svarnim group has restored 20ponds in Manappattu under the direction of the Sri Aurobindo Society. By utilizing the community's collective expertise, researchers want to rekindle interest in conventional methods of managing water resources and promote a sustainable future. The group wants to bring traditional ways back into the spotlight and encourage the peaceful coexistence of modern demands and historical artefacts. The ponds in Manappattu have come back lively, indicating the tradition's continued resilience as the community accepts this process of revitalization. The local community is moving toward a more positive future in which cooperation and constant dedication to heritage preservation will ensure that the enduring beauty of its natural resources is preserved.

The Eco Campus Initiative, initiated by the Svarnim Society, aims to promote a green lifestyle and sustainable practices in schools in the Bahour region. The initiative includes rainwater and greywater collection systems, kitchen gardens, and medicinal plant gardens, which teach students about traditional medicine, biodiversity, and sustainability. The kitchen garden, planted with traditional seed types, promotes sustainability and resilience. Schools like GPS Moorthykuppam, Makidrishnapuram, Arachikuppam, Parikalpet, and TN Palayam have conducted water resource management and repurposing initiatives. The initiative encourages future generations to adopt environmentally conscious behaviours and positively impact a healthier, greener earth. To guarantee sustainability and efficacy, the project should give priority to the installations that are currently in place at the schools in Parikalpet and TN Palayam. The community should be involved in environmental education initiatives, as it not only benefits the environment but also empowers students by teaching them about sustainability, developing a sense of environmental responsibility, and promoting healthy habits for life.

The water quality assessment conducted on the lakes in the Bahour region of Puducherry revealed significant variations in key parameters across different locations. Bahour exhibited the highest pH level at 8.8, whereas Chittheri registered the lowest at 4.8. Kirumampakkam outlet recorded the highest Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) at 711 mg/L, contrasting with the lowest TDS observed at Ulleripet (337 mg/L). Turbidity levels were notably elevated at Manamedu (24 NTU) compared to the significantly lower levels noted at the Thirupanampakkam outlet (3.7 NTU). Moreover, Uchimedu demonstrated the highest total nitrogen concentration (27 mg/L), whereas Manapet depicted the lowest (7.1 mg/L). Similarly, Uchimedu also displayed the highest total phosphorous level (5.8 mg/L), with Manamedu registering the lowest (1.1 mg/L). Dissolved oxygen content varied significantly, with Thirupanampakkam showcasing the highest levels (5.6 mg/L) and Bahour recording the lowest (3.8 mg/L). Further analysis revealed Thirupanampakkam has the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) at 12.7 mg/L, contrasting with Manamedu's lowest COD of 4.7 mg/L. Additionally, Kirumampakkam demonstrated the highest biochemical oxygen demand (5.6 mg/mL), whereas Manamedu inlet registered the lowest at less than 0.1 mg/L, indicating potential organic pollution sources. The highest levels of total coliforms and E. coli were observed at Bahour, highlighting potential pollution sources such as agricultural runoff and sewage contamination, necessitating urgent remedial action to preserve water quality and ecosystem health in the region. The comprehensive analysis of water quality parameters conducted indicates a discernible trend wherein lakes situated in densely populated areas exhibit heightened pollution levels. This observed pattern suggests a plausible correlation between the proximity of human habitation and elevated pollution within the lakes. Such pollution trends are likely attributed to the discharge of untreated or partially treated domestic sewage directly into the lake bodies. The influx of domestic sewage, characterized by its rich organic content and microbial load, could significantly contribute to the deterioration of water quality by introducing elevated levels of nutrients, organic matter, and microbial contaminants into the aquatic environment. This phenomenon underscores the critical role of anthropogenic activities, particularly the discharge of domestic sewage, in influencing the ecological integrity and water quality of lakes proximal to densely populated regions. Consequently, effective management strategies aimed at mitigating pollution inputs from domestic sewage sources are imperative for safeguarding the health and sustainability of these aquatic ecosystems.