Irinjalakuda: Christ College at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district has become a role model for others in water conservation. The college has the largest water conservation facility in the state and is reaping its benefits even during the height of scorching summer this year.
Water harvesting pits and banks were constructed to prevent wastage of rainwater. The fallen leaves from trees were not removed and it formed a spongy layer on the ground and rainwater was allowed to seep into the earth.
Thanks to efforts to conserve water, three wells and two ponds inside the college is brimming with water even when summer was at its peak. The greenery inside the college campus is maintained because of this. The college and nearby areas are not facing any acute shortage of drinking water during summer season.
The physical education teacher Father Joy Pinikaparambil, who is heading the nature conservation activities in the college says the greenery inside the campus was because of water conservation activities undertaken in the college.
The water pumps in the college are enjoying rest during rainy season after water conservation facilities were completed in the campus. During rainy season, the huge storage tanks built on top of buildings in the college supply water for daily needs. Not a drop of rain water which falls on hostel building and others is wasted. The water reaches the huge water storage tanks which are directly connected to pipelines. College principal Rev Dr. Jose Thekkan said that the college saves a substantial amount in electricity bills since water pumps are not used.
The college authorities are now busy constructing water conservation facilities in Christ College of Engineering which recently started functioning.