36 rainwater harvesting systems to be installed on campus: Tech university VC

Taking serious note of the waterlogging issue in the basement of the Library building at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shree Prakash Singh has directed the engineering wing to implement a permanent solution. He also instructed the installation of 36 rainwater harvesting systems across the university campus.

On Wednesday, Vice-Chancellor Singh, along with engineering officials, visited the basement of the library to inspect the ongoing waterlogging problem. During the visit, directed the officials to search for a solution to curb the issue and announced plans to set up 36 interconnected rainwater harvesting systems throughout the campus.

The Vice-Chancellor said the initiative will serve a dual purpose — recharging the groundwater table and preventing rainwater accumulation in any part of the university. By interconnecting the rainwater harvesting systems, the risk of waterlogging will be minimised, he added.

Notably, waterlogging in the library basement has been a persistent problem for both students and staff, especially during the rainy season. The basement often becomes inaccessible due to water accumulation.

Dr Ajay Dabas, president of DCRUSTA, said this is not a new issue. “The waterlogging has been occurring every rainy season, primarily due to poor management of the building,” he said. He said the centrally air-conditioned building has underground AC ducts installed in open areas. Cracks in these duct pipes allow rainwater to seep into the basement.