6.3.2 Preventing Water System Pollution
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) is committed and implementing robust mechanisms to prevent polluted water, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents, from entering the campus water system, ensuring sustainable and safe operations. TMU strictly follows Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) guidelines for storage, use, and disposal of hazardous and radioactive substances. The University has established a 200 KLD Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and a well-defined set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), prominently displayed in the labs for safe chemical management. At TMU, hazardous chemical waste is processed as per the guidelines, ensuring any risk of water system contamination. All treated water is used for horticulture and agriculture within the University, minimizing discharge into external water bodies and preventing pollution caused by accidental releases. Routine checks, emergency protocols, and infrastructural safeguards are in place to rapidly respond to any incident, securing water quality under all circumstances.
Pollution Control
Sludge Tank at ETP
Effluent Treatment Plant
Key Initiatives for Preventing Water System Pollution
Overview
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad, adopts a preventive and proactive approach to maintain water quality and protect natural water systems. Through structured monitoring, green infrastructure, and awareness programs, TMU ensures that no untreated wastewater, chemical effluent, or solid residue contaminates surface or groundwater systems. The policy reflects TMU’s long-term vision of creating a pollution-free and zero-discharge campus, in alignment with SDG 6.3.2 – Improve Water Quality by Reducing Pollution.
Core Objectives
- Maintain zero untreated discharge from all campus facilities.
- Promote eco-friendly waste disposal and treatment practices.
- Implement continuous water quality monitoring and compliance with national standards.
- Foster environmental awareness and community responsibility among stakeholders.
Key Initiatives to Prevent Water System Pollution
| S No. | Initiative | Description | Impact / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | TMU operates 1.5 MLD STPs, ensuring all domestic wastewater undergoes physical, chemical, and biological treatment before reuse. | 100% compliance with regulatory norms; no untreated discharge. |
| 2 | Effluent Treatment Systems (ETPs) | Specialized treatment for wastewater from laboratories, healthcare units, and research facilities. | Safe removal of chemical contaminants and biomedical residues. |
| 3 | Zero-Discharge Operations | All treated water is reused for horticulture, landscaping, and agriculture. | Prevents discharge into municipal drains or natural water bodies. |
| 4 | Sludge and Bio-Waste Management | Treated sludge is dried and used as organic manure in green zones. Biomedical waste is handled through authorized recyclers. | Reduces solid waste and enhances soil health. |
| 5 | Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge Pits | Over recharge structures are installed across campus for rainwater percolation. | Prevents runoff and improves the groundwater table. |
| 6 | Pollution Prevention in Laboratories | Strict chemical waste segregation and lab effluent pre-treatment units. | Ensures no hazardous chemical reaches the main sewage line. |
| 7 | Green Buffer Zones | Dense plantations act as natural bio-filters near water channels. | Reduces sediment and contaminant flow into groundwater. |
Institutional Practices Supporting Pollution Prevention
| Practice Area | Implementation at TMU |
|---|---|
| Water-Sensitive Infrastructure | Constructed wetlands and green roofs to naturally filter runoff. |
| Eco-Campus Policy | All cleaning, washing, and gardening uses eco-safe, biodegradable products. |
| Stormwater Management | Surface drains lined and regularly cleaned to avoid stagnation and contamination. |
| Chemical Inventory Control | Centralized procurement ensures regulated use and disposal. |
Each practice reinforces TMU’s goal of a sustainable, pollution-free learning environment.
Commitment Statement
At Teerthanker Mahaveer University, water is not just a utility — it is a shared environmental asset. Through consistent prevention, monitoring, and management practices, TMU ensures zero pollution, zero discharge, and maximum reuse, setting an exemplary standard in sustainable water governance for higher education institutions.
“Prevent Pollution. Protect Life. Preserve Water.” — TMU’s Water Quality Commitment
Overview
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad, has successfully transformed its campus into a zero-discharge, pollution-free water ecosystem. Through rigorous monitoring, advanced treatment facilities, and community-based awareness drives, TMU has achieved measurable improvement in water quality, environmental health, and regulatory compliance. The university’s sustained focus on pollution prevention rather than correction ensures that every drop released back into the environment is clean, treated, and reused — supporting the vision of “Clean Water, Green Campus.”
Environmental and Ecosystem Impact
| Impact Area | Observed Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Groundwater Protection | No contamination from surface runoff; improved groundwater recharge through eco-drains and soak pits. |
| Surface Water Quality | No effluent discharge into municipal or natural drains; zero chemical traces detected. |
| Soil Health Enhancement | Use of STP sludge as organic compost has improved campus soil fertility. |
| Biodiversity Enrichment | Cleaner ponds, sustainable vegetation, and improved bird diversity due to non-toxic water reuse. |
| Urban Ecosystem Support | TMU’s water management model benefits nearby residential zones through reduced pollution load. |
“Our treatment plants don’t just purify water — they purify the environment.”
Institutional and Operational Impact
| Domain | Impact Description |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Longevity | Prevented corrosion and blockages in campus pipelines through clean discharge management. |
| Financial Savings | Reduced expenditure on fresh-water procurement and drainage maintenance. |
| Academic Engagement | Enabled live-data research projects for Environmental Engineering and Life-Sciences students. |
| Community Leadership | Model cited in local municipal workshops on sustainable wastewater management. |
Social and Educational Impact
- Awareness Campaigns: Students and staff trained annually on pollution control and water ethics.
- Community Outreach: Collaboration with Moradabad Municipal Board for knowledge sharing on wastewater recycling systems.
- Behavioral Change: Significant reduction in use of chemical cleaners and detergents within hostels and labs.
Commitment Statement
At Teerthanker Mahaveer University, pollution prevention is not a task — it is a culture of care. By coupling technology with responsibility, TMU ensures that every litre of water leaving the campus is cleaner than when it entered, thereby securing the health of ecosystems, communities, and future generations.
“No Waste. No Discharge. No Pollution — Only Pure Commitment.” — TMU’s Water Pollution Prevention Vision