Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University builds farm pond to recycle wastewater from its hostels

Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University (DSU), Perambalur, has built a farm pond spread across 1.25 acres on its campus to treat and recycle wastewater and promote natural farming practices.

Wastewater from the hostels housing approximately 15,000 students is diverted to the pond after being treated, according to DSU chancellor A. Srinivasan. As part of this initiative, wastewater collected from 60 locations across the campus is treated through a sewage treatment system and fed to the pond through pipelines. This system ensures that wastewater is treated, collected, and stored for productive reuse rather than being wasted.

The pond, with a depth of 11 feet, has a storage capacity to store 25 million litres of water. The stored water will be utilised for agricultural activities across 80 acres of farmland managed by the university’s College of Agriculture.

Fish reared in the pond contribute nutrient-rich organic waste, including nitrogen, which helps enrich the water used for irrigation. By utilising this water for cultivation, the university aims to improve crop productivity and support sustainable, natural farming practices. The initiative is expected to serve as a practical learning facility for students of the College of Agriculture, a release said.