National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal
HYDERABAD: The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) has set up a pilot rain garden on its campus to improve water storage capacity in urban areas.
Research council chairman and Padma Shri awardee Shailesh Nayak inaugurated the facility along with NGRI director Prakash Kumar and chief scientists.
Officials said the science-based initiative aims to enhance groundwater levels and strengthen urban water retention through green infrastructure.
Project shows measurable groundwater rise
Prakash Kumar said the project, launched on an experimental basis in 2007, has yielded results. The institute constructed nine recharge pits and one rain garden on the campus to collect rainwater and facilitate percolation into the ground.
Scientists recorded collection of around 200 cubic metres of water during each rainfall event. They observed a rise of about 1.5 metres in groundwater levels.
Daily reuse capacity reaches 46,000 litres
The system now enables stable utilisation of nearly 46,000 litres of water per day for gardening needs, he said.
Kumar added that similar interventions in urban areas can help capture rainwater effectively and deliver results.
