In response to pressing water challenges faced by schools across the region, Sambhaav initiated a comprehensive survey to assess the availability and quality of drinking water for students in the shortlisted blocks. Through on-ground visits and discussions with principals, teachers, and parents, Sambhaav identified schools both in need and eager to participate in water conservation and ecological restoration efforts. These collaborative initiatives focused on implementing sustainable solutions on school campuses, including rainwater harvesting and storage. Together, these efforts aim to secure safe water access for students while fostering environmental stewardship and resilience within school communities.
At Upper Primary School in Bhojpur, Jaipur District, a transformative rainwater-harvesting initiative equipped the campus with a fully restored and expanded tank and newly installed pipelines connecting the 60’ x 20’ school roof directly to the tank. With a renewed capacity of 19,000 litres, the system now provides 100% of the school’s drinking water needs for ten months each year, plus an additional 4,500 litres for domestic use. Traditional methods such as use of alum and lime ensures the stored water remains clean and safe. Beyond direct benefits to the school, this initiative has sparked broader community change. Inspired by the project’s success, Headmaster Khetumal Chaudhari is planning to build a traditional taanka at his home and is encouraging his extended family to invest in similar water systems, emphasising health and education.
At Rajkiya Uchcha Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Choru (150 students, 17 teachers), a damaged underground tank was restored to its full capacity of 150,342 litres. New pipelines were installed to efficiently harvest rainwater from the 7,600 sq ft roof, ensuring a reliable water supply for all students and staff. Similarly, at Rajkiya Uchcha Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Sameliya (150 students, 13 teachers), the school’s 50,064-litre tank was repaired and new piping connected an expansive 260,223 sq ft roof catchment to the tank, securing a substantial supply of rainwater. In both schools, harvested water supports kitchen gardens and trees, promoting sustainability and biodiversity on campus. At Rajkiya Praveshika Sanskrit Vidhyalaya, Maheshpura, the rainwater system was enhanced by restoring a 71,429-litre underground tank and adding new pipelines to channel runoff from the 81,784 sq ft roof. This ensures safe drinking water for all 50 students and 6 teachers throughout the school year.
These targeted interventions have significantly improved water security and quality for students and staff across multiple schools. By repairing tanks and installing new pipelines to redirect roof water, each school now has a dependable, year-round supply of safe drinking water. Additionally, the use of harvested water for kitchen gardens and trees has fostered greater environmental awareness and supported campus biodiversity.
For more photos from the Jaipur, see the full album