Guwahati airport boosts rainwater harvesting system

Guwahati, Aug 12 (IANS) The Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati has strengthened its rainwater harvesting and utilisation system, with harvested rainwater meeting around 28 per cent of the total water consumed at its newly built Terminal 2 in July this year, officials said on Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the airport’s broader sustainability agenda and its objective of becoming water positive by integrating rainwater collection, treatment and reuse across its operations. Guwahati receives around 1,800–2,200 mm of rainfall annually, providing significant potential for rainwater harvesting. The airport has already recorded around 1,320 mm of rainfall till August 9 this year, officials stated.

The airport has two large rainwater collection tanks with a combined capacity of 1,000 kilolitres. The harvested water is treated at the airport’s Water Treatment Plant and subsequently used for several operational requirements, including drinking water fountains, equipment cleaning and cooling tower make‑up water. For potable applications, the harvested rainwater undergoes multi‑stage treatment and purification to meet prescribed drinking water quality standards.

Officials said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on external water sources while making more efficient use of rainwater, particularly as passenger footfall increases and infrastructure development continues at the airport. The integrated water management system involves coordination between the Engineering and Maintenance, Environment, Social and Governance, Operations and Projects teams. This enables rainwater to be captured, treated and reused for multiple operational purposes.

The initiative is significant, as airports require substantial quantities of water for passenger facilities, maintenance, cooling, and other day‑to‑day operations. Greater reliance on harvested rainwater can help reduce pressure on conventional water sources while improving overall resource efficiency.

LGBI Airport has been pursuing a range of sustainability measures aimed at responsible resource management and environmental protection. Officials said its integrated approach to rainwater harvesting reflects a commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable airport ecosystem while meeting the growing water requirements associated with the expansion of aviation infrastructure in Guwahati.

–IANS

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