Educational Opportunities for Local Communities on Good Water Management
JSS AHER actively engages local communities through various educational programs and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting good water management practices.
- The Department of Water and Health has been established exclusively to promote water resource conservation and social orientation.
- Community programs such as the Cauvery River Cleaning Drive and activities under the Swachhata Savaari campaign address critical issues like water pollution, raising awareness about preserving water resources.
- Through partnerships with organizations like the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) and the Centre for Environmental Education (CEE), JSS AHER has conducted programs like nature walks, awareness campaigns, and workshops, directly involving students, local residents, and municipal authorities in water conservation education.
- These initiatives include psychological and behavioral change interventions to inspire sustainable water usage habits.
Department of Water & Health
Support for Water Conservation Off Campus
JSS AHER demonstrates a strong commitment to off-campus water conservation through multiple initiatives:
- Regular cleaning drives at critical water bodies like the Cauvery River, in collaboration with local communities, government bodies, and environmental organizations.
- Adoption of nearby lakes, ponds, and villages through National Service Scheme (NSS) and environmental programs, involving activities like restoration drives and awareness campaigns to preserve these resources.
- Collaboration with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for water conservation programs and community education efforts.
NSS Reports
Water conservation off-campus
Utilization of Sustainable Water Extraction Technologies
JSS AHER integrates sustainable water extraction technologies on its associated university grounds:
- The university emphasizes rainwater harvesting systems to sustainably manage water needs on campus.
- Water extraction and utilization practices are carefully monitored to ensure minimal environmental impact, and related initiatives are extended to off-campus projects, particularly in adopted villages and lakes.
Cooperation with Local, Regional, National, and Global Governments on Water Security
JSS AHER collaborates extensively with governmental and international organizations for water security and sustainable management:
- Local Collaborations: Partnerships with municipal administrations ensure the supply of safe drinking water and improved sanitation for the local population.
- National Collaborations: Joint initiatives with EMPRI under the Swachhata Savaari campaign and alignment with the LiFE Mission promote water conservation and sustainable lifestyles.
- Global Collaborations: JSS AHER works with organizations like the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE), Netherlands, and the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) to enhance research and technological advancements in water resource management.
Cooperation on water security
Promotion of Conscious Water Usage on Campus
On-campus initiatives at JSS AHER aim to foster a culture of conscious water usage:
- Educational materials, including flyers and signages, are displayed across the campus in high-traffic areas to encourage responsible water use among students, staff, and visitors.
- Campaigns highlight simple yet impactful actions like reporting leaks, turning off taps, and adopting water-efficient practices in daily routines.
- Institutional practices like rainwater harvesting and efficient wastewater management set an example for sustainable water use.
Promotion of Conscious Water Usage in the Wider Community
JSS AHER actively extends water conservation efforts to the broader community:
- Community outreach programs under NSS and environmental initiatives include water conservation awareness campaigns and practical demonstrations in nearby villages.
- Collaborative efforts with organizations such as the Centre for Environmental Education (CEE) and UNICEF facilitate workshops and orientation programs focused on water resource sustainability for students and local residents.
- By organizing hands-on activities and engaging local communities in the Cauvery River Cleaning Drive, JSS AHER ensures that the importance of water conservation reaches diverse audiences, fostering long-term behavioral change.
Conclusion
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research embodies its commitment to water conservation and management through comprehensive educational, technological, and collaborative efforts. Its on-campus practices, community engagement, and partnerships at various levels ensure a sustainable and impactful approach to preserving water resources, aligning with its broader mission of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
