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IIM Kozhikode Runs on Rainwater A major part of the rainwater that is centralized here in the catchment subsequently reaches the main pond by way of percolation. To increase the opportunity time for rainwater to percolate, small earthen projections come out around the catchment. The projections are hump-like structures to ensure water remains in the pond instead of over-flowing sooner. Still, when water from 50 plus acres flow downhill, you cannot catch all of it in such a small area. The excess water overflowing from the areca nut garden goes away through a cement canal. The canal also ensures that the slightly tainted run-off does not get into the main pond. Water from the main pond is treated and pumped to an overhead tank at the hilltop using a massive pump set. From here, it is distributed to the necessary domestic use, including drinking, at the institution and staff quarters. Since the administration had planned it at an early stage, all the buildings in the campus are fitted with built-in cement gutters. The down pipes have a box-like cement structure in between. This is to stop the leaves that might travel along with the run-off from the roof. One can understand a private or a non-government organization having far-sighted vision. But how was it that a government institution went for a sustainable, but unusual water supply system? Was there somebody who dreamt of this system? "It was a sort of team work and collective thinking. Our then director, Dr. Kalro was a man open to new ideas. We didn't have scope to get more water from any other way. So, after many rounds of threadbare discussions, we decided on this option, recalls Rajiv Varma, Civil Engineer of IIM. Professor Amoral H. Kalro retied in March 2004. The present director is Professor Krishnakumar. The major challenge was the steepness of the hillocks and the resultant threat of erosion. The hillocks are about 80 meters height from below. All the buildings including the staff quarters are at the hilltop. Freshly constructed roads were prone for severe soil erosion. Soil diverted from the roads to the nearby slopes would have further added to the problem. Contributed by - |
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