Rainwater harvesting in schools

The Department of School Education has directed all Government schools to ensure rainwater harvesting systems (RWH) are installed in all their buildings by June 15.

School Education Secretary D. Sabitha, during a meeting of Chief Educational Officers from all districts convened at Chennai last week, directed the Department officials to coordinate with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board.

Chief Educational Officer A. Gnanagowri told

The Hindu here on Tuesday that the School Education Department had begun a study to identify the Government school buildings already having RWH structures and the infrastructure available in other schools.Further, an expert from TWAD Board gave a presentation during a meeting explaining the various types of RWH structures. The expert will also coordinate with the School Education Department. His material would be forwarded to all the Government schools.

The district administration convened a meeting with the School Education Department officials on Tuesday to discuss this issue. Further, a meeting of Headmasters of all Government schools in the district will be held on Wednesday.

The Chief Educational Officer said that a public private partnership (PPP) approach would be adopted for this initiative and the help of local philanthropists and donors would be sought for funding. The construction was likely to be taken up by the Public Works Department. A coordination committee will be established at the district level shortly .