SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Introduction:

At GIKI, the implementation of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is reflected in the Institute’s commitment to sustainable water management and hygiene practices across campus. Advanced water treatment and recycling systems ensure that water is efficiently treated and reused, particularly for irrigation and landscaping, reducing the demand for potable water. The campus also emphasizes proper sanitation infrastructure, promoting safe and hygienic facilities for all students, staff, and visitors. Through these initiatives, combined with awareness programs on water conservation, GIKI not only optimizes its water resources but also fosters a culture of responsible water use, supporting global efforts to provide clean water and sustainable sanitation for all.

Water Conservation at GIKI: Sustainable Practices for a Resilient Campus

The Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) has implemented a comprehensive Water Conservation Plan to ensure the sustainable use, management, and preservation of water resources across its mountainous campus. Through a combination of infrastructure development, policy frameworks, academic initiatives, and awareness programs, GIKI demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
Strategically placed rainwater collection tanks capture and store rainfall across the hilly campus terrain. Collected rainwater is routed through irrigation networks to maintain lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas, with manual channels ensuring minimal wastage. This system reduces dependence on external water sources, supports biodiversity, and strengthens GIKI’s long-term goal of environmental self-sufficiency.

Rainwater Utilization for Toilets
In the New Academic Block, an advanced rainwater harvesting system captures rainfall for non-potable uses, primarily toilet flushing. This reduces the consumption of treated water, lowers operational costs, and serves as a practical educational model for students and faculty, highlighting sustainable infrastructure design.

Water-Efficient Appliances
Automated sprinklers efficiently irrigate green spaces during early morning or late evening, minimizing evaporation and optimizing soil moisture. The integration of smart irrigation technologies reflects GIKI’s proactive approach to sustainable resource management.

Water Reuse for Agricultural Irrigation
Collected rainwater and treated wastewater are directed to nearby agricultural areas, promoting water reuse, reducing environmental impact, and supporting local food systems.

Contribution to National Water Conservation Strategy
GIKI provides technical expertise to Pakistan’s National Water Conservation Strategy, advising on rainwater harvesting, recycling, efficient irrigation, and other conservation technologies. By aligning institutional knowledge with national goals, GIKI plays a key role in addressing water scarcity and enhancing climate resilience.

Academic Courses on Water Treatment
GIKI offers specialized courses on water treatment and purification, equipping students with practical skills in wastewater management, contaminant removal, and sustainable water engineering solutions. Hands-on laboratory work and project-based learning foster innovation and capacity-building in water sustainability.

Awareness and Responsible Usage
The campus community is regularly encouraged to conserve water through public service messages, email alerts, signage, and campaigns, emphasizing mindful consumption and avoidance of wastage.

Campus-Wide Water Conservation Campaigns
Through the Clean & Green Drive, students actively participate in campaigns promoting behavioral change, such as placing awareness stickers around water dispensers and encouraging responsible usage. These initiatives highlight how small daily actions collectively contribute to water preservation.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), under the Department of Student Affairs, organized a Hiking and Clean Drive at GIKI on 15th September 2024. The event combined outdoor recreation with environmental responsibility, as participants enjoyed a scenic hike while actively cleaning up the surrounding areas. It promoted physical well-being, teamwork, and awareness about preserving natural habitats.

Water Management Policy
GIKI’s formal Water Management Policy guides efficient, sustainable, and responsible water use across all campus operations, fostering a culture of environmental accountability among students and staff.

Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System Pilot
In collaboration with WWF Pakistan, GIKI piloted a real-time flood monitoring project on the River Swat, using cameras and AI analytics to track water levels and flow speeds. The data feeds into a dashboard providing early warnings, enhancing regional disaster preparedness.

WWF Pakistan, in collaboration with the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), is piloting an innovative low-cost, AI-based Flood Detection and Early Warning System in Kalam, Swat. This initiative aims to enhance community resilience against climate-induced flooding by utilizing advanced sensor technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to monitor river levels and predict potential flood events in real time. The system provides timely alerts to local authorities and residents, enabling early evacuation and disaster preparedness. By combining WWF’s environmental expertise with GIKI’s technical innovation, this project represents a significant step toward sustainable, technology-driven climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Pakistan’s vulnerable northern regions.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGIKI/videos/wwf-pakistan-in-collaboration-with-giki-is-testing-a-low-cost-ai-based-flood-det/1714219206082743/

https://www.facebook.com/WWFPak/posts/climate-change-has-brought-with-it-new-challenges-that-are-forcing-our-nation-to/921119340051043/

Magical Noori 2.0 – Adventure and Environmental Education
On 28th September 2024, the GIKI Adventure Club organized “Magical Noori 2.0,” combining outdoor recreation with lessons on mountain water conservation and environmental protection. Activities focused on understanding fragile water ecosystems and promoting responsible tourism, encouraging students to adopt sustainable water practices.

Through these initiatives, GIKI actively promotes SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, while also supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The Institute demonstrates that experiential learning and practical sustainability efforts can go hand-in-hand, fostering both personal growth and environmental responsibility.

SAFE AND AFFORDABLE DRINKING WATER

GIKI, ensure that everyone has fair access to clean, inexpensive drinking water.

Fresh Water Installations all around the Campus

Drinking water installations are available all around the campus in the form of electric water coolers and hot water dispensers. This facility is available in all faculties, departments, sports complex, girls’ and boys’ hostels, mosques, central library, guest house, admin block, hospital, faculty club, central mess and cafeteria so that people can get easy access to clean drinking water.

Sewage Treatment Plant at GIK Institute:

The sewage treatment plant of GIK Institute is located outside the campus, near the WAPDA check post. After treatment, the effluent is disposed of into the Indus River. Plant can handle 0.2 million gallons/day. Treatment is done in seven stages, where different types of equipment are installed. The existing plant is in operational since 1993.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZN8AXGKf1Tkha6Ga7

INCREASE WATER-USE EFFICIENCY AND ENSURE FRESHWATER SUPPLIES

In order to solve water shortage and significantly reduce the number of people affected by it, GIKI, secure sustainable withdrawals and supplies of freshwater, and significantly boost water-use efficiency across all sectors.

Less water absorption plant on campus

You can design a landscape that conserves water as well as energy. The horticulture Department at GIK Institute has taken several measures to grow such plants and trees that consume less water and are drought resistant to conserve water on campus.

Consulting Services

GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology proudly offers consulting services across a wide range of disciplines, including Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Sciences, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Management Sciences. Leveraging the expertise of our renowned faculty and cutting-edge research facilities, we provide innovative solutions tailored to meet industry and societal needs. Partner with us to access advanced technical insights and drive excellence in your projects.

• Water Treatment and Waste Management: Provide services for designing water treatment systems and waste management solutions for industries with specific requirements, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, or heavy industries.
• Water Quality and Chemical Analysis: Perform testing of water samples for contaminants, pH, and other chemical properties, serving industries like food processing, agriculture, and municipal services.

https://giki.edu.pk/services-by-faculty-of-chemical-engineering/

 Lab-based Education & Research in Water Treatment
GIKI offers a course “Water Treatment & Purification”, covering topics like primary & secondary treatment, sedimentation, coagulation, reverse osmosis, membrane technologies, etc. This provides students hands-on skills in water treatment processes.

Improving housekeeping:

At GIK Institute, effective water pollution control is a top priority, particularly given our residential campus setting. Our Works Department actively monitors and addresses water leaks to minimize waste and prevent potential contamination.

To this end, the department ensures that faucet washers and toilet flappers are promptly replaced whenever leaks are detected. Even a slow drip can waste over 100 gallons of water weekly, contributing to both water loss and potential environmental impacts.

Residents and staff are encouraged to report any leakage issues through our dedicated complaint handling office, which facilitates quick resolutions. Our team is committed to addressing these concerns swiftly, with staff available around the clock to ensure timely repairs and maintain our commitment to sustainability. This proactive approach not only conserves water but also protects the campus’s overall water quality.