CSIR-NGRI harvests 200 cubic metres per rainfall, groundwater rises 2.3m
HYDERABAD: A rainwater harvesting pit and recharge system developed at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) has led to a groundwater level rise of 2.3 metres on its campus, as reported by DC.
The upgraded Rain Gardens Pilot Research and Development Facility is capable of harvesting nearly 200 cubic metres of water per rainfall event. It also supports sustainable withdrawal of about 46,000 litres per day for horticulture use.
The initiative began in 2007 as an in-situ stormwater harvesting experiment under the institute’s water management programme. Nine recharge ponds and a rain garden were constructed on the campus to capture and infiltrate runoff water.
The early system recorded a groundwater rise of around 1.5 metres, encouraging further expansion, said M J Nandan, Scientist G.
Upgrade backed by CSIR in 2025
In 2025, with support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the facility was upgraded into a pilot-scale research and development system.
The redesign improved the hydraulic layout to manage higher runoff volumes. It optimised soil media for better infiltration and strengthened inlet and outlet structures for regulated flow. Geological and hydrogeological inputs were integrated to enhance aquifer recharge, Nandan added.
Inaugurated by research council chairman
The facility was inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee Shailesh Nayak, chairman of the research council, CSIR-NGRI, in the presence of scientists and staff on Thursday.
Director Prakash Kumar said such initiatives are important to address groundwater stress in cities.
The institute said the pilot facility will serve as a demonstration model for scalable urban stormwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems in semi-arid cities.
