Introduction

As part of the SRM Jal Rakshak – Yamuna Conservation and River Rejuvenation Mission, a cleanliness and environmental awareness drive was organised by Civil Engineering Department at Dahesra Village, Haryana, with a focus on Drain No. 8 and its adjoining areas on 25 August 2026.

The initiative was undertaken to sensitise students and the local community to the importance of maintaining clean drainage channels, preventing indiscriminate disposal of solid waste, protecting water resources and improving the environmental condition of areas connected to the Yamuna river system.

The activity provided students with an opportunity to gain practical field exposure while contributing to the broader objectives of environmental sustainability, water conservation and community participation.

Objectives

The cleanliness drive was organised with the following objectives:

• To assess and understand the existing condition of Drain No. 8 and its surrounding areas.
• To remove visible solid waste and litter from accessible portions of the selected site.
• To sensitise students and the nearby community towards responsible waste disposal practices.
• To understand the potential impact of local drains and pollution sources on downstream water bodies, including the Yamuna.
• To provide students with practical exposure to environmental management and conservation activities.
• To promote community participation in maintaining clean and healthy surroundings.
• To encourage a sense of collective responsibility towards water conservation and Yamuna rejuvenation.

Key Highlights

The following activities were carried out during the cleanliness drive:

Field Visit and Site Assessment

Students conducted a field visit to Drain No. 8 and its adjoining areas to visually assess the condition of the drain, surrounding land and accessible locations.

Cleanliness and Waste Collection

Visible solid waste and litter were collected from accessible portions of the site. Students worked in teams to ensure systematic coverage of the selected area.

Waste Handling

The collected waste was handled and segregated to the extent practicable during the field activity, with emphasis on responsible waste-management practices.

Environmental Observation

Students observed the surrounding village settlements, agricultural areas, drainage conditions and potential sources of pollution. These observations helped them understand the interaction between human activities, land use and local water systems.

Awareness and Sensitisation

The activity served as an awareness-building exercise for participating students, highlighting the importance of preventing waste disposal into drains and maintaining the cleanliness of local water channels.

Conclusion

The cleanliness drive conducted at Dahesra Village, Haryana, provided B.Tech. and M.Tech. students of Civil Engineering with a valuable practical learning experience while contributing to the objectives of environmental conservation and community engagement.

The activity highlighted the importance of maintaining local drainage systems, preventing waste disposal, identifying pollution sources and involving communities in the protection of water resources. It also reinforced the principle that effective river rejuvenation requires coordinated action across the entire river system, including its tributary drains and surrounding areas.

The initiative undertaken under the SRM Jal Rakshak – Yamuna Conservation and River Rejuvenation Mission reflects SRM University's commitment to environmental sustainability, experiential learning and community participation. Continued and systematic activities at Drain No. 8 and other associated locations can contribute meaningfully to the long-term objective of creating cleaner local environments and a healthier Yamuna river system.