Mar Ivanios College, located on the serene hills of Nalanchira in Thiruvananthapuram, is known not only for its academic excellence but also for its commitment to environmental stewardship. Positioned at a relatively high altitude, the institution historically faced difficulties in maintaining a consistent water supply, especially during the dry months of March and April. Recognizing the urgency, the college developed a Water Action Plan with well-defined and achievable targets aimed at sustainable water management, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge.
The overarching goal of this plan is to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for all stakeholders—students, teaching and non-teaching staff—while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: “Clean Water and Sanitation.”
One of the cornerstones of the Water Action Plan is the rainwater harvesting system, meticulously designed to capture and utilize the generous rainfall Kerala receives. The college has utilized 1,650 square meters of rooftop area for rainwater collection. The water flows through a network of gutters and downpipes into a centrifugal filtration system, which removes impurities before directing the clean water into storage wells.
This harvested rainwater is then used for groundwater recharging, a process that helps replenish aquifers and maintain groundwater levels. The system’s annual storage capacity is 4.2 million liters, enabling the college to meet a significant portion of its water demand from natural sources.
The results are remarkable—reduced dependence on external water supply, lower energy consumption, and the most important outcome: the campus has completely solved its water scarcity problems that once plagued it during dry months.
Mar Ivanios College didn’t stop at infrastructure development. The institution emphasized behavioral change and awareness through various water conservation techniques.
Key Initiatives Include:
Through these combined efforts, the use of rainwater became part of the institution’s daily routine rather than a backup measure.
Recognizing the link between water and biodiversity, Mar Ivanios College initiated a tree plantation drive with the goal of enhancing the campus ecosystem. So far, 175 trees have been planted, with a target of 200 trees by year-end. The college created unique green spaces such as “Madhuravanum” (fruit garden), a medicinal plant garden, and a butterfly garden, encouraging biodiversity and ecological balance.
These trees not only beautify the campus but also aid in improving soil moisture retention, contributing indirectly to groundwater recharge. The active involvement of alumni and local communities has made this initiative a collaborative success story.
The institution follows a multi-tiered approach to water utilization. A well-designed rainwater harvesting well and basin collects and stores rainwater for non-potable purposes such as gardening, cleaning, and maintenance.
Percolation pits have been strategically placed around the campus to enhance groundwater recharge.
This system not only reduces dependence on municipal water but also contributes to the visible improvement of campus greenery—a testament to the effective use of rainwater in everyday life.
Educational engagement has been integral to Mar Ivanios College’s success. Students have actively participated in:
The institution also sponsored a rainwater harvesting filter for Shehabavan, a local senior care home, showcasing the college’s role in extending sustainable water practices to society.
The outcomes of the Water Action Plan are both measurable and inspiring:
Through such achievements, Mar Ivanios College has effectively solved its water scarcity problem completely, proving that environmental responsibility and institutional efficiency can go hand in hand.
The college’s rooftop rainwater harvesting system and groundwater recharge model offer a scalable and cost-effective solution that can be replicated by schools, colleges, offices, and communities across Kerala and India.
The system’s key features—roof catchment, centrifugal filtration, storage wells, and smart sprinklers—require minimal maintenance and deliver long-term benefits both environmentally and economically.
In a state where rainwater harvesting in Kerala has become a necessity, Mar Ivanios College provides a real-world example of how the use of rainwater can transform water management and ensure a sustainable future.
A detailed Water Consumption Analysis revealed that the college’s total annual water usage dropped from 10.7 million liters in 2022–23 to 9.6 million liters in 2023–24. This significant reduction was achieved through the strategic implementation of press taps and efficient urinals.
Such data-driven monitoring ensures accountability and helps identify further opportunities to save water.
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