Field Visit to

SACI Waters

Event Name: Field Visit to SACI Waters

Objective:

1. To visit SACI Waters, Hyderabad for a field visit as part of the curriculum on 01st March, 2025.
2. To understand the role of sustainable water management practices in urban and rural settings.
3. To analyse the impact of water conservation initiatives and their effectiveness in mitigating environmental degradation.
4. To explore the role of community-driven efforts and interdisciplinary solutions in water resource management.

Outcome:

1. The visit provided practical learning opportunities beyond classroom lectures.
2. Gained practical insights into wastewater treatment and urban drainage systems through expert-led sessions.
3. Engaged in hands-on activities, such as a cleanliness drive, reinforcing the importance of active community participation in sustainability initiatives.

BRIEF REPORT:
The industrial visit to SACI Waters, organized by Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Hyderabad, provided an insightful experience into water management and conservation practices. Conducted on March 1, 2025, the visit included informative sessions at the SACI Waters office and a hands-on cleanliness drive at HMT Lake, Nacharam. The visit aimed to enhance students' understanding of sustainable water management and the challenges associated with preserving water bodies in urban settings.

SACI Waters, the South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering water-secure and climate-resilient ecosystems across South Asia. Established in 2002, the organization focuses on interdisciplinary research, education, capacity building, grassroots implementation, and collaborative networks. Their work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizes pro-poor, gender-inclusive, and ecosystem-based development.

The visit commenced with three informative sessions at the SACI Waters office, covering urban planning of sewage treatment plants (STPs), water management, and an overview of SACI Waters' initiatives. The session on urban planning of STPs, led by Mr. Avinash Kumar, provided a historical perspective on drainage systems and emphasized the necessity of proper wastewater management in urban areas. The session highlighted the inefficiencies of mixing grey and black water and proposed separate treatment processes for better sustainability. The water management session reinforced the importance of efficient water use, conservation strategies, and the impact of poor water management on freshwater resources. The discussion included case studies on sustainable water practices, such as rainwater harvesting and lake rejuvenation. A documentary on Bengal showcased the water-related challenges faced by rural communities and how SACI Waters has contributed to resolving these issues through community engagement and scientific interventions.

The second half of the visit was a hands-on experience at HMT Lake, Nacharam. Upon arrival, safety gear such as gloves and masks were distributed, and students were divided into groups for a cleanliness drive. The activity aimed to create awareness about the importance of preserving urban water bodies. Students actively participated in removing waste from the lake’s surroundings, collecting plastic debris, discarded food containers, and other pollutants. Alongside the clean-up drive, they also received insights on various aspects of lake water management, further enriching their understanding of conservation efforts. The session emphasized community involvement as a key factor in sustainable conservation efforts.

The visit provided a multifaceted understanding of water conservation and urban water management. Some of the critical takeaways included the necessity of proper sewage treatment and separate processing of grey and black water for efficient water management, the significance of preserving water bodies through sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and lake rejuvenation, and the role of community-driven initiatives in ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Conclusion:
The industrial visit to SACI Waters was an enriching experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Engaging with experts and participating in hands-on activities allowed students to grasp the complexities of water management and conservation. The visit reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary solutions and community involvement in addressing water security challenges. Through such initiatives, SACI Waters continues to play a crucial role in fostering sustainable water practices and promoting environmental stewardship.
Thus, the field visit was a successful endeavor wherein the students got the opportunity to blend learning with an interesting, fun day out in the city.

(Students Listening To Session Number 1 – Urban Planning Of STPs.)

(Learning by Listening.)

(Learning by Doing.)

(Group Picture.)

(HMT Lake, Nacharam, Hyderabad, India.)