Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has proudly become the first water-positive airport in India among facilities that handle over 40 million passengers annually. This certification signifies remarkable advancements in sustainable water management and environmental planning.
A water-positive facility is one that replenishes more freshwater than it consumes. IGI Airport achieved this status by implementing extensive rainwater harvesting, enhancing its storage capacity, and utilizing advanced recycling systems.
The airport's accomplishment was formally acknowledged at the Water Innovation Summit 2025, held under the NITI Aayog–CII water neutrality framework, marking a significant milestone in sustainable practices.
To facilitate water replenishment, the airport has established 625 rainwater harvesting structures throughout its premises, which significantly enhance both capture and recharge. Furthermore, two new underground reservoirs with a combined capacity of 9 million litres have been constructed to boost storage, ensuring effective water use during dry spells.
A 16.6 MLD zero-liquid-discharge sewage treatment plant plays a crucial role in recycling wastewater for non-potable uses. This reduces the airport's reliance on external water sources and promotes sustainability.
The recycled water is utilized for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, landscape irrigation, and toilet flushing. Automated systems, including drip irrigation networks and sprinklers, optimize water usage while minimizing wastage. Additionally, a dedicated treatment facility ensures high-quality potable water for passengers while adhering to efficient consumption standards.
Delhi International Airport Limited emphasizes that achieving water positivity bolsters the airport's climate resilience and aligns with its long-term ambition of becoming a net-zero facility. This accomplishment underscores a broader transition towards responsible resource management within aviation infrastructure, establishing IGI as a national benchmark for sustainable airport operations.
Q1. What does it mean for an airport to be water-positive?
Answer: A water-positive airport replenishes more freshwater than it consumes, enhancing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
Q2. How many rainwater harvesting structures are at IGI Airport?
Answer: IGI Airport has implemented 625 rainwater harvesting structures to capture and recharge freshwater effectively.
Q3. What is the capacity of the new underground reservoirs at IGI Airport?
Answer: The airport has constructed two underground reservoirs with a combined capacity of 9 million litres to enhance water storage.
Q4. What is a zero-liquid-discharge sewage treatment plant?
Answer: A zero-liquid-discharge sewage treatment plant recycles all wastewater, ensuring no liquid waste is discharged, thus promoting sustainability.
Q5. How does IGI Airport contribute to climate resilience?
Answer: By achieving water positivity, IGI Airport enhances its climate resilience and supports its goal of becoming a net-zero facility.
Question 1: What is significant about IGI Airport's water management?
A) It has the largest capacity in India
B) It is the first water-positive airport
C) It uses only external water sources
D) It has no rainwater harvesting systems
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many rainwater harvesting structures does IGI Airport have?
A) 100
B) 625
C) 500
D) 300
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What type of sewage treatment plant is used at IGI Airport?
A) Regular STP
B) Zero-liquid-discharge STP
C) Chemical STP
D) Aerobic STP
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What framework recognizes IGI Airport's water neutrality?
A) CII–NITI Aayog
B) UN Framework
C) Central Government Framework
D) State Government Framework
Correct Answer: A
Question 5: How does IGI Airport enhance climate resilience?
A) By reducing passenger numbers
B) By achieving water positivity
C) By using fossil fuels
D) By increasing external water reliance
Correct Answer: B
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