With groundwater an important source of water supply at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi, its operator has installed rainwater harvesting system in the premises to recharge the aquifers.
The Delhi International Airport Ltd, a GMR-led consortium responsible for operations, development and modernisation of the IGI airport, has set up over 300 rainwater harvesting pits spread across the operational area of the airport.
Also, five sets of drainage systems parallel to runways and taxiways are being constructed which would have rainwater harvesting wells at an interval of 30 m.
"These wells would be recharging the groundwater whenever the rainwater flows through the drains. According to an estimate, a total outflow of the rain water would be around 3,000 cusec," a DIAL spokesperson said.
Since the airport has vast open area, the rainwater harvesting system would be helpful in replenishing and recharging the aquifers, he said, adding Delhi airport consumes about 4.5 million litres per day as it depends heavily on the groundwater for its day-to-day needs.
Any excess water would be drained out through drainage system which were being constructed by PWD from the airport premises up to Najafgarh drains.
The airport's need were also fulfilled through the use of recycled water. DIAL has set up a sewage treatment plant of five MLD capacity and treats 100 per cent of water biologically.
The airport operator has also planned rainwater harvesting structures along the proposed drainage network and open areas in the upcoming integrated third terminal.
"The basic premise of this design would be to recharge IGI airport groundwater levels by allowing the run-off water from both the paved and unpaved areas to recharge the aquifers via the rainwater harvesting structures," the spokesperson said.
Recognising that climate change was a critical area of concern and there was an urgent need for everyone to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and find ways to reduce them, he said.
"DIAL has been working on resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources and eco-friendly consumption among others."
The environment department of DIAL has experts, who constantly looks after the air quality, water management and noise reduction initiatives, he said.
