Friday, March 22, 2024
From leading-edge innovations to initiatives fueled by community collaboration, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has rolled out numerous endeavors focused on enhancing sustainable water management throughout its operations, thereby aligning with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CSMIA has actively engaged in the oversight and stewardship of its water usage. During the fiscal year 2022-23, the airport utilized around 8,79,811 megalitres of water, of which 2,92,861 megalitres were recycled, making up 33% of its total water use for the year. In the subsequent fiscal year 2023-24, CSMIA recorded a consumption of approximately 8,36,393 megalitres of water (YTD) and recycled 3,51,724 megalitres, which accounted for 42% of its overall water use (YTD).
In its drive towards sustainability, CSMIA has launched various measures to curtail water use and enhance recycling efforts. Notably, the introduction of waterless urinals at both airport terminals has significantly reduced water consumption, yielding considerable savings. The airport has also fitted water flow reducers in water closet jet sprays, slashing water use by half for several applications. Moreover, tap aerators fitted on washbasins with press or handle taps have led to a 40% drop in water usage, while the installation of sensor taps has furthered conservation efforts, cutting water use by about a third per use.
Innovative strategies have been employed to optimize water use in landscaping. For example, the verdant spaces within Terminal 2 are tended with drip irrigation systems, which deliver water to plants efficiently and reduce waste. CSMIA also repurposes treated sewage for flushing and cooling in terminal buildings, thereby lowering freshwater demand and reducing wastewater discharge, aiding water conservation. Enhancing its rainwater harvesting setup, CSMIA has built rainwater pits around the airside and near terminal facilities to replenish the groundwater table.
Additionally, since 2017, CSMIA has participated in an afforestation drive in Tetavali village alongside the non-profit organization Hariyali. This project has seen the construction of a dam equipped with three water holding bunds, with a collective capacity of roughly 3.5 lakh litres. The water collected in these bunds, totaling about 24.5 lakh litres, is used for various activities in the surrounding forest, aiding in ecosystem restoration and water conservation.
Over the years, CSMIA’s dedication to water conservation and management has deepened, propelled by a firm commitment to sustainability and environmental care. As one of India’s busiest airports, CSMIA is conscious of the critical need to manage its water resources responsibly, aiming to lessen its environmental footprint while still catering to the requirements of passengers and stakeholders. Through persistent endeavors and investments in sustainable infrastructure and practices, CSMIA is committed to establishing new standards for water conservation in the aviation sector, steering towards a more sustainable future.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
