Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
(DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY)
More than 10 % of the global population lives in extreme poverty today; they struggle to fulfil the most basic needs like health needs, educational desires, and access to healthy water, sanitation, and clothing. Most people living on less than the minimum daily financial needs are common in rural areas. Worldwide, the poverty rate in rural areas is 17.2 %—more than three times higher than in urban areas. One child amongst five lives in extreme poverty. Ensuring social protection for all children, especially girls and other vulnerable groups, is critical to reducing poverty. It shows up as starvation and malnutrition, restricted access to healthcare and other necessities.
Imagine a world where every drop counts - where clean water flows freely, nourishing not just bodies, but dreams. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) visualizes a future where water and sanitation are accessible to all, transcending borders, cultures, and economic barriers. It’s about ensuring that every person, no matter where they live, can quench their thirst with safe water and maintain dignity through proper sanitation.
DPU focuses on everyone's fundamental right to clean water and decent sanitation, SDG 6 is a ray of hope in an increasingly linked world facing complicated problems. As a fundamental component of the 2030 Agenda for SDG 6 emphasizes the critical role that sanitation and water resources play in determining our overall health, well-being, and environmental harmony.
To realize the goals of SDG 6, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune has embarked on a revolutionary journey that involves investigating cutting-edge techniques, community involvement, and all-inclusive strategies that have not only helped to promote sustainable practices in water management but have also fostered a sustainable culture both on and off campus.
This policy aims to promote sustainable water management through the safe and effective reuse of treated wastewater on campus. It applies to all university facilities and outlines acceptable non-potable applications, including irrigation and cooling systems. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory. Regular monitoring and staff training will ensure water quality and safety, fostering a culture of sustainability while protecting the health of the university community. The policy will be reviewed every three years or as necessary.
The purpose of policy is to establish guidelines for the safe and effective reuse of water on campus, promoting sustainability while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Implementing a water reuse policy is vital for promoting sustainability in a health science university while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. By following this framework, the university is effectively managing its water resources and contribute to a more sustainable future.
https://dpu.edu.in/documents/dpu-polices/water-conservation-policy.pdf
Our water management system is designed to ensure efficient and sustainable water usage across the university campus. DPU utilize a dug well and five borewells, supplemented by four corporation lines, to secure a healthy water supply. At the heart of our system is a 50,000 liters per hour water treatment plant, which processes and purifies our water to meet health standards. Additionally, Vidyapeeth have two reverse osmosis (RO) plants: one with a capacity of 2,000 liters per hour dedicated to operating theaters (OTs), central sterile services departments (CSSD), and intensive care units (ICUs), and another with a capacity of 1,200 liters per hour specifically for dialysis patients.
To ensure the safety and quality of our water supply, DPU maintains a segregated water supply system, facilitating the appropriate distribution of treated and raw water for different uses. Routine tank cleaning is performed to prevent contamination and maintain water quality across our nine tanks, which together have a total capacity of 1 million liters. Additionally, DPU have 25 water coolers strategically placed throughout the campus, ensuring access to safe drinking water for students, staff, and visitors. This comprehensive approach to water management not only supports our operational needs but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and public health.
Here’s an overview of key components and practices involved in such a system:
Surface Water (lakes, rivers, reservoirs) or Groundwater (aquifers): Protecting the source from pollutants, agricultural runoff, and biological contaminants is critical. Implementing land-use restrictions and monitoring potential sources of contamination helps ensure a clean water source.
Coagulation & Flocculation: Chemicals are added to the water to make contaminants clump together. Sedimentation: The larger clumps (floc) settle at the bottom of a tank. Filtration: The water passes through filters (sand, gravel, activated charcoal) to remove smaller particles. Disinfection: Chlorine, UV light, or ozone is used to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
A well-maintained network of pipes, storage tanks, and pumping stations ensures that treated water reaches homes and businesses safely. Regular maintenance of the infrastructure is essential to prevent leaks and contamination from external sources.
Regular Testing: Monitoring for microbial contaminants (like E. coli), chemical contaminants (such as lead or nitrates), and physical parameters (pH, turbidity). Compliance with Standards: Meeting local, national, or international water quality standards, such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Boil Water Advisories: If contamination is detected, issuing alerts for the public to boil water until it is safe again. Annual Reports: Providing detailed reports to the public on water quality and system performance.
Preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply, usually through mechanical devices like check valves.
Ensuring that the system can handle emergencies, such as natural disasters, by having backup systems, emergency water sources, and a crisis response plan.
Reducing water wastage by promoting efficient use of water, fixing leaks, and using technologies like smart meters to monitor water usage.
RO Plant
Water Purifier
A water aerator is a device that is attached to the tip of a faucet or other water outlet to control the flow of water, mix it with air, and reduce water usage without compromising water pressure.
DPU Installed more than 1000 water aerator to minimize uses of water. It saves thousands of liter water every day.
Aerators limit the water flow rate by mixing air with the water, reducing the overall water volume while maintaining a strong water stream. This results in lower water consumption and reduced utility bills.
By creating a mixture of air and water, aerators maintain a steady, splash-free stream, making it more comfortable for tasks like washing hands, dishes, or food.
Aerator Tap
Sustainable water extraction technologies aim to meet current water demands without compromising the ability of future generations to access clean water. These technologies focus on efficient, low-impact methods of extracting water from natural sources while minimizing environmental and resource degradation.
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use, particularly in regions where water scarcity is an issue or where there's a need to reduce dependency on traditional water sources like rivers or groundwater. This method is considered sustainable, low-cost, and eco-friendly.
This method captures runoff water from land surfaces, streets, or natural landscapes. Benefits: Reduces urban stormwater drainage issues and replenishes groundwater.
Instead of storing water in tanks, rainwater is directed back into the ground to recharge depleted aquifers through infiltration wells or trenches.
DPU has committed towards the sustainable energy conservation. We collect roof top water with the help of 6” diameter pipe and supplied to 4 Nos. of RWH pits. Overflow of these pits are supplied to 2 Nos. of surface runoff RWH pits via storm water channels. Total Percolation capacity is 4068 m3 per year i.e. 81.36 m3 per day.
Rainwater Collection
Signages
Open well
Borewell
The construction of tanks and bunds plays a crucial role in water conservation, especially in areas prone to drought or water scarcity. These structures are designed to capture, store, and manage water for various uses, including irrigation, groundwater recharge, and domestic purposes. Below is an overview of the construction techniques and benefits of tanks and bunds for water conservation.
DPU has all the facilities for proper management of degradable and non-degradable waste complying with guidelines of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). These have been described as follows:
The bio- degradable solid waste of canteen and garden is composted in a vermicompost plant (40 Litre vermiwash) installed in DPU campus. Plastic is banned as per the law enforced by Government of Maharashtra and has been strictly observed at DPU.
Organic waste composting was the major initiative which was implemented in academic year 2022-23 to manage the solid organic waste generated by Canteen and Hostel mess. Every 6 months compost generated is used as fertilizer for in campus trees and plants.
Liquid waste management is the process of collecting, treating, and disposing of liquid wastes to minimize environmental pollution, safeguard public health, and conserve resources.
Effective liquid waste management requires proper treatment, reuse, or safe disposal methods to ensure that water bodies, soil, and air are not contaminated. Below is a detailed guide to the types, sources, and methods of managing liquid waste.
Process: Liquid waste is collected from its source via pipes, drainage systems, or containers. This includes sewer systems in urban areas or storage tanks in rural or industrial settings.
Process: Liquid waste should be separated based on its type, such as domestic sewage, industrial waste, or hazardous liquids. This is crucial to prevent cross-contamination and ensure appropriate treatment.
Process: To reduce or eliminate pollutants from liquid waste, making it safe for reuse or discharge into the environment.
After treatment, liquid waste is either discharged into water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans) or reused for irrigation, industrial processes, or even drinking water after advanced treatment. The Vidyapeeth has four sewage treatment plants (STP) with the total capacity of 1170 m3/ day to manage the liquid waste. The treated water is recycled and used for gardening purpose and toilets. Besides this, one effluent treatment plant (ETP) with the total capacity of 50 m3/day have also been installed. The liquid waste management plants have been installed at a cost of more the Rs 65 lacs.
Sewage Treatment Plant (Pimpri Campus)
Sewage Treatment Plant (Tathwade Campus)
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
A WTP is a facility designed to purify and treat water from natural sources, such as rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers, making it safe for human consumption, industrial use, and other applications. Water treatment plants use a series of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants like bacteria, chemicals, sediments, and other impurities.
University has installed 50000 Litres per hour capacity Water treatment plant. The plant is operated and maintained by inhouse team. Routine check-up of PPM, PH, Backwash and regeneration is carried out.
Water treatment Plant
A wastewater recycling system, also known as water reclamation or wastewater treatment, involves the process of treating wastewater to make it suitable for reuse. Treat wastewater generated on site, to avoid polluting the receiving streams by safe disposal. Use treated wastewater, thereby reducing dependence on potable water. Average 4 to 5 Lakh Liter water is recycled through ETP and STP plants
ETP Plant
STP Plant
Biomedical waste generated in the Hospitals is disposed as per norms. The bio-hazardous waste is collected at the point of generation in prescribed colour coded bags and bins. They are segregated and stored at a specific area and is handed over every day to the common disposable facility run by the PCMC. All the Hospitals and Colleges hold updated licenses and valid contracts from MPCB, Government of Maharashtra.
General waste refers to everyday items that are discarded and do not fit into specific recycling or hazardous waste categories. This includes materials like food scraps, packaging, paper, and broken household items. General waste can be further divided into two categories: dry waste and wet waste.
Dry waste includes recyclable materials such as plastics, metals, glass, and paper, while wet waste primarily consists of organic matter like food scraps and garden waste. Proper management of both dry and wet waste is essential to reduce landfill impact and promote environmental sustainability. Effective practices involve minimizing waste generation, encouraging recycling of dry waste, composting of wet waste, and ensuring responsible disposal to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
Apart from awareness amongst employees and students regarding disposal of e-waste, the Vidyapeeth has executed an agreement for disposal of e-waste with J.S. Enterprises.
Standard protection protocols and guidelines of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) have been followed to ensure protection from radiation.
These include:
Use of protection devices like lead apron, thyroid collar etc.
“Thermoluminescent Dosimeter” badge is used to monitor radiation exposure. No case of over dosage has been reported in last five years.
D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth has a beautiful and lush green landscape campus and garden. Besides trees and gardens, we also have medicinal plants and herbal garden in Ayurveda and Homoeopathic Collages Our campus is well ornamented with various plants & trees like Ficus, Bougainville, rose plants, Hibiscus, various types of Palms etc.
Skilled & trained manpower (gardeners) are available for the maintenance & beautification of the landscape and There are three supervisors and 44 skilled and trained garden helpers for looking after the whole campus along with sweepers, who regularly maintain the garden by regularly pruning, cutting, trimming and spraying of pesticides, fertilizers as per the requirement of various types of plants and trees.
Total trees on campus: 1230
Creating a water-efficient landscape can be both beautiful and sustainable. Consider incorporating drought-resistant plants like lavender, which not only thrives in dry conditions but also adds lovely fragrance and color. Marigolds are another excellent choice, attracting pollinators while needing minimal water. Grouping these plants together can enhance their natural resilience, creating a vibrant garden that conserves resources. Add in some native grasses and succulents for added texture, and you’ll have a stunning, low-water landscape.
Monitoring & Verification
Hospital have provided water flow meters at the source for monitoring & testing of the water consumption at the facility. Monthly water consumptions regularly tracked and discussed with team. Daily leakage monitoring
Reduce
Use of low flow aerators at strategic locations/faucets to conserve water
Use of dual flush cisterns at strategic locations.
Treatment
Treatment of wastewater in the in-house 750 KLD STP & 50KLD ETP to meet the prescribed discharge standards Treated water used for flushing, gardening to reduce the water consumption
Recycle/ Reuse
Dual plumbing pipelines to reuse the STP treated water for non-contact purposes Gardening, toilet flushing, etc. Rainwater harvesting tanks of 81.1M3 are provided around the facility. DPU water management strategy incorporates monitoring and treatment to promote sustainability. With water flow meters for tracking consumption, low flow aerators, and dual flush cisterns in place, we significantly reduce water use. Our in-house STP and ETP treat wastewater for reuse in gardening and toilet flushing, while rainwater harvesting tanks further enhance conservation efforts. These initiatives reflect our commitment to responsible water management and environmental stewardship.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Several initiatives and activities support this goal, promoting clean water, hygiene, and sanitation practices. Below are key activities that contribute to achieving SDG-6:
Swach Abhiyaan supporting SDG-6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth organized Cleanliness Drive under Swach Bharat Abhiyaan Program on Saturday, 29/04/2023 at Durga Tekdi, Nigadi, Pune. The main purpose of this programme was to create awareness among the students regarding Cleanliness and its benefits. Udyan Vibhag PCMC Mr. Sabale Sir granted permission for the campaign to be held in Durga Tekadi, and the personnel there assisted us. Additionally, PCMC Tram has supplied hand gloves, trash cans, and garbage bags. For students, hygiene is maintained. We are grateful to PCMC's Udyan Vibhag.
Swachta Abhiyaan is a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness and sanitation across India. This campaign emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and proper waste management to ensure access to clean water and sanitation. Through community participation, workshops, and awareness programs, Swachta Abhiyaan encourages individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier environment. By reducing pollution and promoting hygiene, this initiative plays a vital role in achieving the targets set under SDG-6.
Global Handwashing Day is a global campaign that emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene in preventing illness and promoting health. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of washing hands with soap and clean water, especially in the context of water scarcity and sanitation challenges. Activities organized on this day often include community events, educational workshops, and demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques. By promoting hand hygiene, this initiative directly contributes to improving water quality and reducing waterborne diseases, thereby supporting the objectives of SDG-6.
Street-play at Phulenagar by B.Sc. Nursing students
Health education by Dental Students in OPD
World Hand Hygiene Day was observed on May 5, 2023, the HR Department organized a specialized training program for the nursing and housekeeping staff. Overall, 50 non-teaching staff members participated in the program. The initiative aimed to enhance awareness and practical skills related to hand hygiene, an essential practice in maintaining health and preventing infection. In the program, importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings was discussed followed by a hands-on demonstration to illustrate the correct techniques for handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers. After the demonstration, participants practiced the hand hygiene techniques under supervision. Feedback was provided to ensure correct practices were followed. The training session was well-received, with staff actively participating and engaging in the practical exercises.
Hands-on demonstration to illustrate the correct techniques for handwashing
Educational visits to water treatment plants are vital for understanding the processes involved in water purification and management. These visits provide valuable insights into how wastewater is treated and transformed into clean, potable water. Participants, including students and community members, learn about various treatment technologies, the importance of maintaining water quality, and the challenges faced in water management. Such initiatives foster awareness about the significance of clean water, encourage responsible water usage, and highlight the need for sustainable practices in water management, aligning with the goals of SDG-6.
Water Purification Plant
The Department of Community Medicine had organised Tree Plantation Activity at Water Purification Plant, Nigdi for IV BHMS students on 2nd August 2022. The faculty members of the department and the students planted various saplings in that premises and students were sensitized about environment conservation.
On ‘VANMAHOTSAV WEEK - 2023’ which is celebrated as annual tree planting movement in India, the NSS unit in association with IQAC of Dr. D. Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre, Pimpri had organized a ‘Tree Plantation Activity’ 42 NSS Volunteers (32 females and 10 males) enthusiastically participated in the activity. The volunteers initially removed the weeds and cleaned the area suitable for planting. It was then followed by the digging of small holes to plant the saplings. Total 24 saplings of medicinal plants were planted and then watered.
Tree Plantation Activity
IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities for water usage typically involve raising awareness about the importance of water conservation.
Proper handling of biomedical waste is crucial to ensure safety and environmental protection. Personnel should follow strict protocols, including segregating waste at the source into designated categories (e.g., sharps, infectious waste, and non-hazardous waste). Use appropriate containers that are clearly labeled and designed for specific types of waste. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling biomedical waste and ensure proper storage and disposal methods are in place, adhering to local regulations. Regular training and awareness programs are essential to maintain compliance and safety standards.
Lecture on handling of biomedical waste
TDT,Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, April 2020-March 2023 Segregation and management of laboratory wastes for resource recovery and value addition.
PI: Dr. Viniti Vaidya DYPBBI Co-PI: Dr. Neelu Nawani.
Project value: Rs. 50 lakhs
Publications
In conclusion, Sustainable Development Goal 6 underscores the vital importance of water and sanitation as foundational elements for health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By ensuring universal access to safe water and adequate sanitation, we can enhance quality of life, protect ecosystems, and foster resilience against climate change. Achieving SDG 6 requires collective action, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainable management of water resources, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more equitable world for all.