Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 16: Setting an inspiring example of turning academic knowledge into practical environmental action, students of Carmel High School in Modankapu have taken up the task of digging percolation pits during the monsoon season to conserve rainwater.

Guided by the school’s Hasiru Bhavishya Parisara Sangha, this green initiative has been active for the past seven years, aiming to build awareness about water conservation among the youth. Annually, students dig these pits around their homes, on the school campus, along roadsides, and on hill slopes to ensure rainwater seeps effectively into the ground.

Mentor teacher Roshan Pinto highlighted that the students have successfully dug 1,007 rainwater percolation pits over the seven-year period, which includes 180 pits created this year alone. "The initiative reduces rainwater runoff, helps recharge groundwater and mitigates water scarcity during summer," Pinto said.

The club ran its recent pit-digging campaign between June and August. While some students sought physical help from their parents, many independently excavated standard pits measuring 3ft x 2ft x 2ft during their monsoon holidays, later submitting photographs of their work to the school. The project was integrated into the practical science curriculum, helping students apply theoretical rainwater harvesting concepts while learning important life skills, Pinto added.

Explaining the environmental impact, Pinto stated that each pit can hold and percolate approximately 340 litres of water. As a result, the 180 pits constructed this year have the combined capacity to recharge up to 61,200 litres of water at a time. This consistent effort to maintain the ecological balance and recharge underground aquifers has garnered immense appreciation from the local community.

Headmistress Sr Veera acknowledged all participating students and presented special honours to those who dug the highest number of pits. The top contributors included Royston Lobo, Jeevan Kumar, Sohan D’Souza, Elvina Barboza, Shamanth Acharya, Adithi Rao, Likhitha, Shamanth K, Preeval Carlo, and Akshitha.

Sharing her personal experience, Rao remarked, “Over the past three years, I have dug 68 percolation pits around my house with support from my parents. By allowing rainwater to recharge groundwater instead of letting it flow into rivers, we can help address water scarcity.”