SAN THOME ACADEMY SHORTLISTED FOR 6th NATIONAL WATER AWARDS – GROUND TRUTH VERIFICATION CONDUCTED
SAN THOME ACADEMY SHORTLISTED FOR 6th NATIONAL WATER AWARDS – GROUND TRUTH VERIFICATION CONDUCTED
(STA Sets Benchmark as a Zero Water Budget School)
San Thome Academy, Bhopal Road, Dewas, has earned the prestigious distinction of being the only school from Madhya Pradesh shortlisted for the 6th National Water Awards under the Best School category. Out of thousands of schools from across the country that applied for the award, San Thome Academy’s outstanding commitment to water conservation set it apart.
As part of the final selection process, a Ground Truth Verification was conducted at the school campus by Mr. Mahendra Magarde, Assistant Director, Central Water Commission, and Ms. Twinkle Chadda, Scientist-B, Central Ground Water Board. The team physically inspected the water conservation methods used by school and interacted with staff and students.
The school implements a wide array of water conservation techniques including roof water harvesting (saving 25 lakh litres of water), rainwater harvesting through sunken pond and recharge shaft (saving 2 crore litres of water), sewage water treatment, reuse of RO reject water, and efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and sprinklers. Low-flow devices have been installed on taps to further minimize wastage. Notably, the school’s swimming pool uses recycled water, demonstrating sustainable use of resources at every level.
Beyond infrastructure, San Thome Academy has played a significant role in spreading awareness on water conservation among students, staff, and the wider community. Through workshops, nukkad nataks, dances, dramas, and dedicated issues of the school magazine, the message of water preservation is creatively and consistently communicated.
The school’s inspiring efforts have had a ripple effect—many staff members and parents from the community, moved by the school’s initiatives, have taken steps to install roof water harvesting systems in their homes as well.
San Thome Academy continues to set an example as in the month of February this year, it also bagged the prestigious Green School Award by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi for its dedication to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Apart from Dr. Retheesh, Principal and Mr. Puneet Upadhyay Vice Principal, Dr. Sunil Chaturvedi – environmentalist, Ms. Sameera Naeem from Amrit Sanchay Abhiyan, Mr. Ganga Singh Solanki senior citizen and Mr. Shrikant Upadhyay senior journalist were also present on the occasion.