05
MITIGATING THE CLIMATE IMPACTS OF WATER SCARCITY THROUGH ‘THE GREEN
PROJECT’ IN CENTRAL INDIAN REGION, NAGPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
Nilesh Mankar
Deputy Engineer (Mechanical), Zilla Parishad, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Email: de.nagpur@gmail.com

How to cite this paper:
MankarNilesh(2023)
Mitigating the Climate Impactsof Water Scarcity through ‘The
Green Project’ in Central
Indian Region, Nagpur District,
Maharashtra, India, Journal of
Global Resources, Vol. 09 (02)DOI:
10.46587/JGR.2023.v09i02.005

Abstract: “The Green Project” is an environment-friendly andsustainable method for achieving a clean and green
environment. Based on the preliminary qualitative findings, thesystem will address a set of issues rising due to extreme climate
induced conditions like water scarcity, increased temperatures,
impact on services and availability of water without
contamination and an alternative to the artificial energy. The
project perfectly aligns with the mitigation expectations under
the SDGs agenda including building a resilient community
across service seekers and providers as well as meeting thebasic rights.
Key words: Reuse Structure, Energy, Solar Pump, Green
Project, Self-reliant

Received: 07 June 2023
Reviewed: 16 June 2023
Final Accepted: 28 June 2023

36

Introduction
Characterized by extreme cold and heat waves, Nagpur the Winter capital of the State ofMaharashtra in the central region of India, is known as the orange city. With an annual
assured rainfall of little above 1000 mm, some sub-district regions of Nagpur are facing issues
around supply and demand side management due to recent frequent changes in the rainfall
pattern, over-extraction of the groundwater in the recent past. All this leading to water scarcity
in the key government institutions such as primary health centers, schools, and pre-schools
as well as many places impacting the water needs for all purposes for the population both in
the tribal and non-tribal belt of the district. Adding to the issues of supply versus demand side
management, urbanization and intensive water-fed agriculture is competing the needs of
population. And hence, due to uncontrolled utilization of water resources and imaginable
depleting water resources, there is a need for water conservation.
Figure 01: Location Map

Current Challenges
The area faces typical but sometimes common issues in meeting the water requirement forthe domestic, institutional, and emergency needs (health care facilities) on account of mainly
the following challenges.
• Some of the tribal villages are far flung and outreach is difficult in hilly and forest areas• Operation and maintenance due to financial constraints and poor management• Depleted water conditions due to over-exploitation and dried up sources in lean period• Discontinued supply of electricity and technical glitches• High capital costs and availability of funds as well as program priorities• Increased consumption of electricity and demand for appliances like AC and coolers• Lack of use of WASH facilities leading to health burden and hardships• Old public buildings whose roofs were not proper for rain water drainage• High dropout percentage of students in schools due to uncomfortable condition likehigh room temperature and insufficient water during summer
The Green Project (TGP)
Motivated by the Jal shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain Campaign of the federal Governments’Jal shakti Department, the district council undertook a series of interventions promoting the37

rainwater harvesting concept across areas. The district council led TGP has adopted themodel through an approach of disseminating the concept widely through mass media, atofficial forums, through piloting and demonstrating projects, engaging the public
representatives, online platforms like YouTube, Website and offline platforms like workshops,
exhibitions and newspapers, model at district council premises, etc. The project also got theattention during exhibition & presentation held at the National Workshop on Water Reliant
Village and Clean & Green Village themes under the SDGs conceptualized by Ministry ofPanchayati Raj (Local Self Government), Indian Government.

✓
✓
✓
✓
✓

TGP is an auto-technical intervention
Rainwater harvesting with focus on rooftop
Use of food grade quality white paintHeat reduction
Renewable energy
Recharging of groundwater

Objective: Self Reliant Facility
A. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
Roof Treatment water proofing,
Heat resistant white paint
Drainage System
Filter Equipment
Water Tank
B. Rainwater Management
Recharge shaft & Filter Pit
C. Solar pump System
Flushing old bore well,
Pump & Panel Cost,
Protection Fencing
Net Metering

Figure 02: Schematic Representation of the Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
Methodology
By applying 3C concepts i.e., Catch, Collection & Contamination the following methods wereadopted.
• Rooftop rainwater harvesting: Though the average rainfall of Nagpur district is about1000 mm per year. The rainfall occurs in just 3 months. The falling rainwater generally
gets run-off and is wasted. So, by applying catch and collection concept of rainwater
harvesting is implemented in which the rainwater falling on roof of public buildings aretapped by providing a parapet wall on roof slope (as the building roof was not properfor rainwater drainage) and directing it through pipes to direct storage and ground water
recharge through filters.
•

White Paint: The rooftop of the buildings is made waterproof. A food grade white paintis applied over it. This result in strengthening of building structure, smooth flow of waterand reducing the temperature of building by reflecting sun rays & to avoid chemical
contamination.

•

Filter: Filtration is a part of every rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater harvesting
filter design includes a chamber which is filled with filtering substances such as fiber,coarse sand, and gravel layers. These substances remove debris and dirt from water& stop them from entering the storage tank or recharge structure. These substances
are to be cleaned & replace periodically. Thus, increase in the cost of maintenance. To
avoid this new type of on-line self-cleaning filters are used now-a-days.
38•

Storage Tank: the storage tank is installed either at the ground level or on the top of
the premise to store the water and use it during the lean period as and when required.

•

Recharge Shaft: Recharge shaft has been prepared with lots of attention and detail.
Due to that design, along with increase in ground water level, the quality of groundwater improves by preventing bacterial and chemical contamination which may occur
due to fertilizers and pesticides use for agriculture.

•

Solar Pump & Net Metering: Instead of using conventional electric pumps, solar
pumps are installed which run on sunlight which is practically free of cost. After full
filling the water needs of the building the extra solar energy is fed to grid. Net metering
is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they
add to the grid. For example, if building has a PV system on their roof, it may generate
more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. The efficiency of solar panels
is increased due to application of white paint reflection.

Reuse Structure
Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting• After a long period, existing borewells get chocked due to mud, sand and tree roots.
Due to this, these water bodies are not usable for drinking purpose. Such water bodies
need cleaning through re-drilling/flushing process.
• The existing borewells which cannot be used after flushing due to deep water level,
have been used as recharge shafts to enhance ground water level. Because of which
there was no need to dig new borewell/recharge shafts. Thus, saving a lot ofgovernments funds.
• The government, semi-government and private buildings in the district were studied
and it was found that the rain water falling on roofs of the buildings flows out and get
wasted. Measures should be taken to recharge and reuse such runoff water. So, theexisting borewells which cannot be used due to very deep-water level were used as arecharge shaft into which the roof water was catched and delivered into such borewells.
Scope and Scale of TGP
TGP has been fund successfully addressing the core issue of water scarcity, reducing energy
consumption (because of reduced requirements of use of pumps and air coolers and airconditioners) and making the premises and smaller communities self-reliant with water fornecessary needs. The model is demonstrated at schools, pre-schools, health care facilities,
religious places like temples, government buildings, etc. This is an easily adaptable model in
the areas of water scarce remote areas primarily. The ‘Green Project’ is a useful idea fortackling the impacts of climate change in terms of addressing water scarcity, ensure accessand equitable distribution.
1. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting & Recharge Potential in Health Care Facility
•
•
•
•
•
•
➢
•
•
•
•
•

Naghardhan, District Nagpur (Year – 2021)
Water Usage: domestic purpose, cleaning, sanitation etc.
Daily OPD = 150 Patient
Total No. of Staff = 15
Water Source – Borewell
Total Demand of Daily water = 5000 Liters
Annual Demand = 18,00,000 Liters
Lean Period = April to June = 90 Days
Available water = 3000 Liters/Day
Short Fall = 1,80,000 Liters
Average Annual Rainfall: 1012 mm
Roof area: 236 Square Meter
Recharged Water =~ 1,82,706 Liters

39Output

Input
The Green Project▪ Extra coating of cement
mortar on slab ofbuilding to provide
proper slope for waterrunoff and create proper
surfacefinishfor
applying paint.
▪ Rooftop
Rainwater
Harvesting (With White
Paint Coating on Roof)▪ Solar pump water supply
scheme based on Solarenergywhichisavailable
freeandabundant in Indian
conditions.

Innovation
Unique Work Done
•

White
Paint
Coating•

SelfCleaning
Filter•Recharge
Shaft

•

Solar
Energywith Net
Metering

▪
▪

▪
▪
▪

▪
▪
▪

Life of building increases.
Due to heat resistance whitepaintbuilding
room
temperature reduces by 2 to5 Degrees Celsius.
Less Maintenance cost.
PreventionofContamination.
Along with increase in
groundwater level which
will help to utilize water for
longer time in drinking,water for plantation wherewater required is must &also storage water can beused for emergencies.
Solar Energy is used topump water instead ofusing electricity from grid.
Reduction in pumping cost.
Improvement of conditionsin schools to avoid dropoutof students.

2. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge potential in Ganesh Temple
Adasa Ganesh Temple District. Nagpur (Year - 2020)
•
•
•
•
•
➢
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Water Usage: Drinking purpose, Sanitation, Gardening
Daily Pilgrims = ~ 1800
Water Source – Borewell
Total Demand of Daily water = 9,000 Liters
Average Annual Demand = 32,40,000 Liters
Lean Period = April to June = 90 Days
Daily Pilgrims = ~ 1000
Average Water Demand = 5000 Liters/Day
Available Water = 3500 Liters/day
Total short Fall = 1,35,000 Liters
Average Annual Rainfall: 925 mm
Roof area: 226 Square Meter
Recharged Water = ~1,77,693 Liters

Plate: Primary Health Center, Village Nagardhan, Block Ramtake
40

Apart from this, the energy saving and water saving calculations are presented below.
A. Air Cooler Power Consumption Calculation: (Nos. of Air Coolers 6)
Power Consumption Calculator:
Rated Power of Your Appliance (Watt) = 1200 W
Daily Operational Hours (Hours) = 12 Hours
Electricity Tariff (USD) = 0.11/kWh
Due to heat resistant white paint 50 % reduction
in needs of Air coolers: Consider Summer Season 4 Months Units Consumed (kWh) = 720
Consider Summer Season 4 Months Electricity Bill (USD) = 78.85
Final Saving unit Cost (USD): - 78.85 (Approx.)
Table 01: Reduction in Air Cooler Power Consumption
Unit Consumed
Electricity Bill
Daily Units Consumed by The Appliance
Daily Electricity Bill Because of This Appliance (USD)(kWh) = 12
= 1.31Monthly Units Consumed by The Appliance
Monthly Electricity Bill Because of This Appliance(kWh) = 3610
(USD) = 39.43
Consider 6 Months Units Consumed by The
Consider 6 Months Electricity Bill Because of This
Appliance (kWh) = 1440
Appliance (USD) = 157.71
Due to heat resistant white paint 50 % reduction in needs of Air coolers and hence 4 Months
Electricity Bill Because of this appliance is reduced by 50% which is 78.85 USD.

B. Air Coolers Water Consumption Calculation: (Nos. of Air Coolers 6) Water
Consumption:
No. of Air Coolers = 6
Water required per Air cooler = 30 Liters/Day
Summer Season 4 Months Water Consumed = 21,600 Liters
Due to heat resistant white paint 50 % reductionin uses water for air coolers: No. of air cooler required = 3
Summer Season 4 Months Water Consumed = 7200 Liters
Total Water Saving: - 7200 Liters
C. Reduction in Energy consumption by project (in kWh) in Primary Health Centre• Requirement of Air conditioners - 2 Nos. Capacity 2 Ton each
• Power Consumption Calculator: Rated Power of Appliance (Watt) = 4000 W• Daily Operational Hours (Hours) = 12 Hours• Electricity Tariff (INR) = 0.11/ kWhTable 02: Reduction in Air Conditioners Power Consumption
Unit Consumed
Electricity Bill
Daily Units Consumed by The Appliance
Daily Electricity Bill Because of This Appliance(kWh) = 48
(USD) = 5.26
Monthly Units Consumed by The Monthly Electricity Bill Because of This
Appliance (kWh) = 1440
Appliance (USD) = 157.71
Consider 6 Months Units Consumed byConsider 6 Months Electricity Bill Because of
The Appliance (kWh) = 8640
This Appliance (USD) = 946.25
Due to heat resistant white paint 50 % reduction in needs of Air Conditioning and hence 6
Months Electricity Bill Because of this appliance is reduced by 50% which is 473.13 USD.
D. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and recharge potential in Health Care Facility• Name of Facility: Naghardhan, Block - Ramtek, District Nagpur• Functional Status: Operational• Water Usage: domestic purpose, cleaning, sanitation, gardening & fire emergency
41

•

•

Calculation of Quantity of water harvested through Rooftop Rainwater harvesting- Average Annual Rainfall: 1012 mm- Roof area: 236 Square Meter- Coefficient of friction: 85% & Filter Efficiency: 90%- Rainwater harvested and recharged: 236 x 0.85 x 0.90 x 1012
- Total quantity: 182,706 Liters
No. of trees planted in surrounding – more than 100 Plants

Figure 03: Schematic Representation of the overall “The Green Project”

Key Finding
Support from UNICEF, Maharashtra, India- Detailed study underway, final report awaited- Demonstration of whole concept at 7 sites through partner agency SACRED- Net Metering introduced for using generated electricity- Documentation in the form of Audio-Visual underway- Disseminating this concept for school students and college youths- A policy paper to be prepared- Support for National & International cross learning
USD Rate considered is 1 $ = INR 83, Rooftop surface friction coefficient is 0.85, Filter
Efficiency = 0.90••••

Quantity of water harvested per square meter = 0.81 cubic meter per square meter = 810 litres
Cost of harvesting system in US dollars per square meter = 41 $/Sq Mt = @ INR 3,415 / Sq Mt
Cost of water harvested in US dollars per cubic meter = 51 $/M3 = @ INR 4,195 /Sq Mt
Average cost of water harvested and recharged in US dollars per Sq MT per M3 = 46 $/Sq
Mt/M3

Water Availability: As an example, there are more than 60,000 schools and 100,000
Anganwadi centres in the State with an average available rooftop of 50 square meter to 150
square meter. Considering the average annual rainfall for Maharashtra on a lesser side of
1,000 mm per year, there is a huge potential of rainwater harvesting ranging from 80 million
cubic meter to 240 million cubic meter. This is huge and equivalent to 8,000 football grounds
flooded with a 1-meter height water column. This water will be enough for 800,000 families
for a period of one year at 55 litres per capita per day.
42

Table 03: Total Water Harvested Through RWH Installation According to Roof Top
Area and Average Annual Rainfall Pattern#

Site Name and Location

Institution Type

1

Zilla Parishad schools (3 Buildings) andAnganwadi, Bahadura, Block Nagpur

2

Gram panchayat, Bazargaon

3

Gram panchayat, Vedahari, Block
Nagpur4

Gram Panchayat, Kharbi, Block Nagpur

5

Gondkhairi, Dist. Nagpur

6

Salai Godhani, Block Nagpur

7

Dhanla, Block Mouda

8

Jalalkheda, Block Narkheda

9Satak, Block Parseoni

10

Ghorad, Block Kalmeshwar

11

Naghardhan, Block Ramtek

12

Bhandarbodi, Block Ramtek

13

Adasa Mandir, Adasa, Block
Kalmeshwar

Educational
Institution
Local Government
Building
Local Government
Building
Local Government
Building
Primary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentrePrimary HealthCentreReligious Place

Roof
Area
(Squaremeter)

AverageAnnualRainfallTotal
harvest(m3/ year)

(mm)

184

1007

142

105

1007

80

297

1007

129

98

1007

76

315

1007

243

280

1007

216

135

1079

111

300

825

189

324

949

235

92

925

65

236

1012

183

154

1012

119

226

925

150

Table 04: Location wise details of Green Project Intervention in Nagpur#

Location

1

Nand Block : Bhivapur

2

Mohgaon Dhole Block : Katol.

3

Pilkapur Block : Nagpur

4

Bhansoli Block: Hingana

5

Kondhasawali Block : Katol

6

Kandri Block : Parashivani

7Gahuhiwara Block :Parashivani

Location
Installation of Solar Dual Pump/rain water harvesting &recharge & distribution at Primary Health Center at Village
Nand Ta : Bhivapur
Installation of Solar Dual Pump at school & Anganwadi
Building at Mohgaon Dhole Ta : Katol.
Roof top rainwater harvesting on School Building at Village
Pilkapur Ta : Nagpur
Roof top rainwater harvesting on School Building at Village
Bhansoli Ta: Hingana
Rain water harvesting & recharge Shaft and distribution at
School & Anganwadi at Kondhasawali Ta : Katol
Roof top rainwater harvesting on School Building at Village
Kandri Ta : Parashivani
Roof top rainwater harvesting on School Building at Village
Gahuhiwara Ta : Parashivani

Table 05: Location wise details of Green Project Intervention Investment Analysis
#

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Location

Cost, INR

Cost,
USD

Roof
Area,
SqMt

Water
Harvested
M3

Water
Harvested(Litres)

Cost /
SqMT,
USD

Cost/
M3,
USD

Nand Ta : Bhivapur
Mohgaon Dhole Ta : Katol.
Pilkapur Ta : Nagpur
Bhansoli Ta: Hingana
Kondhasawali Ta : Katol
Kandri Ta : Parashivani
Gahuhiwara Ta : Parashivani
Total INR

64492324210288424
99583
162191
1423411808951560459

7770
2917
1065
1200
1954
1715
2179
18801

91
108
48
54
54
52
50
457

74
88
39
44
44
42
41
372

74070
87908
39070
43954
43954
42326
40698
371980

85
27
22
22
36
33
44
41

105
33
27
27
44
41
54
51

43

Results and Discussion
The initiative and implementation of the “The Green Project,” undertaken by Nagpur District
Council and UNICEF, is an environment-friendly and sustainable method for achieving a clean
and green environment. Based on the preliminary qualitative findings, the system will improve
the groundwater levels, reduces runoff, lowers building temperatures, ultimately resulting inless energy consumption and water saving and recharge. On the other hand, a combined
system of rainwater harvesting, and solar pump will bring a sustainable future by conserving
energy and improving energy efficiency. It will be lowering system costs and simultaneously
air pollution through the reduction of greenhouse gases. “The Green Project’ is a win-win
approach.
The ‘Green Project’ is a useful approach for tackling the impacts of climate change
and its mitigation in terms of addressing water scarcity, ensure access and equitable
distribution during the lean period. The potential population that can be benefited from this is
primarily the deprived population accessing the government institutions such as Primary
Health care Centres, Pre-schools, Schools as well as tribal population in remote areas but
also for population in peri-urban and urban areas. Taking the note of this UNICEF,
Maharashtra field office had undertaken few pilots in few more sites considering the possible
improvements. The proposed interventions from UNICEF have further improvised the design
aspects, bring in the element of community and or stakeholder engagement as well as
documenting the efforts from environmental and climate change perspective.
There is a great scope for scaling up and replicating this approach to ensure theenvironmental sustainability of the existing systems at an institutional level, mitigating theclimate risks and helping the unreached or deprived population with green technologies.
Following are some of the recommendations based on the existing opportunities.
a. Strengthen the existing water supply systems and increase the investment for longterm results for climate resilient water supply systems which are sustainable in nature.
This will be useful for the population in remote areas. The investment here could bein the range of INR 3 to 6 lakhs.
b. Explore the possibilities of converting the existing health care facilities into green andclean facilities and converge with WASH related activities for better environment,
access to functional facilities for the patients (service seekers) and staff (service
providers). The investment here could be in the range of INR 4 to 6 lakhs.
c. Ensure that 100 percent educational facilities like the schools and Pre-schools areequipped with The Green Concept package so that the loop is completed offering agreater learning environment in the schools. The investment here could be in therange of INR 1 to 3 lakhs.
d. This entire approach could be further unpacked for household level design andpropagated for adoption as part of the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) agenda of theGovernment to mitigate the climate impact on large scale.
e. Generate evidence from the interventions through data collection, case studies so thatthe approach is proven as a scientific approach. There is a further need to unpack theintervention potential, spread the findings to the larger community and attract
investments from various sources and stakeholders.
f.

The approach is in alignment with the Green Buildings Standard and Certification
Systems by efficiently utilising available natural resources like water.
44

g. The approach recognises the vision of the India Cooling Action Plan which aims to
reduce cooling demand with the help of technology advancement and energy
efficiency.
The analysis of energy saving, carbon footprints, water availability, etc. in qualitative andquantitative terms reflects a win-win situation. If a large-scale investment is done on thisapproach it is going to be of immense support to the environmental sustainability andmitigating the impact of the climate change. Another key area that will be identified is thedevelopment of communications materials for more dissemination and scale up.
Conclusion
1. Useful idea for tackling the impacts of climate change
2. Addresses water scarcity
3. Ensure access and equitable distribution during the lean period
4. Reaches to the deprived population in the institutions
5. Health care Centers, Pre-schools, Schools as well as tribal population
6. Useful technology for peri-urban and urban areas
7. Element of community and or stakeholder engagement is must
8. Further data collection and analysis is required
9. Analysis of energy saving, carbon footprints, water availability, etc.
10. Qualitative and quantitative aspects need to be looked at
11. Cost benefit analysis
12. Development of a working policy paper for Green Concept as a mission
Acknowledgement
1. Honorable Yogesh Kumbhejkar, IAS, District Collector, Bhandara, Maharashtra, India
2. Honorable Saumya Sharma, IAS, CEO, District Council, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
3. Dr. Gajanan Khadse, Senior Principal Scientist, Water Technology & Management
Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) Nagpur.
4. Dr. Prabhat Jain, Former Regional Director, Central groundwater board, Ministry of Jal
Shakti, Government of India
5. Elected members of District Council
6. UNICEF, Maharashtra
References
1. World Bank, (2022) Climate Investment Opportunities in India’s Cooling Sector.
2. Naik, P.K., Jain, P.K., Shende, R.R., Nawale, V.P., Murthy, K.N., Sahoo, K.B. and
Banerjee, K.P., Tackling Ground Water Scarcity in Nagpur District, Maharashtra.
3. Zhongming, Z., Linong, L., Xiaona, Y., Wangqiang, Z. and Wei, L., (2017) Changing rainfall
patterns linked to water security in India.
4. https://www.nrdc.org/bio/anjali-jaiswal/protecting-health-cooling-demand-skyrocketsindia#:~:text=Cooling%20demand%20in%20India%20is,the%20country%20in%20the%20future.
5. https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heatwaves#:~:text=Unusually%20hot%20days%20and%20heat,become%20more%20frequent%20and%20intense
6. https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/groundwater-extractionnorms

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