By Anand Ghodke, WASH-CCES Officer, Yusuf Kabir, WASH-CCES & DRR Specialist, UNICEF Maharashtra, and Nilesh Mankar, Dy Mechanical Engineer, GSDA, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Background

Maharashtra continues to face acute challenges, including drought, intermittent power supply, and heatwaves, as climate change drives higher cooling demand. Rural communities, however, cannot afford individual solutions such as individual water supply systems, air conditioners, or coolers. To address these linked concerns of water, energy, and climate resilience, UNICEF and its partner SACRED, in collaboration with Zilla Parishad Nagpur, implemented “The Green Project” in seven locations of Nagpur district, introducing cost-effective, community-driven solutions.

Modus Operandi: The demonstration under “The Green Project” aimed to address water scarcity, energy shortages, and climate change resilience in Nagpur, Maharashtra, through the use of innovative mitigation technologies. The project integrated technologies to conserve natural resources and promote sustainability. It utilises existing borewells for water recharge, implements rainwater collection systems, applies reflective white paint to reduce indoor temperatures, and integrates solar-powered pumps to reduce grid dependency.

Key features of green technologies included:

• The Painted Roof: for harvesting rainwater, and the maximum potential is used to harvest by adding a parapet wall.
• Heat-resistant food-grade paint: The paint used is heat-resistant and of food-grade quality that provides an anti-dampness feature and absorbs heat.
• Self-Cleaning Filter: The filter works on the principle of centrifugal force and has a self-cleaning mechanism so that no dirt or dry waste blocks the flow of water.
• Storage Tank: The storage tank is installed either at the ground level or on the top of the premises to store the harvested water and to use it during the lean period as and when required.
• Recharge Shaft: The recharge shaft is a borewell of larger diameter, which is used to recharge shallow aquifers as the depth of these shafts is limited.
• Manually Operated Dual pump: It is a force lift type of pump that functions as a handpump and can also be used to pump water in the tanks installed on rooftops.
• Solar pump system: The solar pump system uses both submersible and other types of pumps to lift water from borewells to feed the water supply distribution system of the premises, wherever it is connected.

Results:

Result 1. Temperature Reduction and Cooling Impact

Table 1. Temperature Difference inside and outside for Coated & Uncoated Roof at 5 Locations (Summer & Winter)

Result 2. Reduction in Energy Consumption

According to the study conducted under this approach, using a single 2 HP solar pump will result in a cost savings of Rs. 10,368 per year/year while reducing 1,071.36 kg CO2 emissions annually. The solar net metering indicates a reduction of approximately 60-70% in grid electricity consumption, resulting in an annual saving of approximately 10,000 INR. The details of the grid energy consumption is presented below:

Table 2. Nand Primary Health Cente, Bhivapur, Nagpur

Result 3. Reduction in Energy Consumption

In the case of water harvesting, the observation reveals that even if there is no significant increase in the water levels, the depletion is either reduced, constant or sustained.

Way Forward

Early results showed improvements in groundwater levels, reduced runoff, lowered room temperatures, and enhanced energy efficiency. This holistic approach not only addresses local water and energy issues but also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering environmental sustainability and community resilience. The project showcases a scalable, cost-effective solution for rural and tribal areas affected by climate change.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.