Two schoolgirls from Raipur represented Chhattisgarh at the BRICS 2026 competition with an innovative rainwater harvesting project, showcasing the role of young innovators in promoting sustainable water conservation.
Vartika Patil, a Class 7 student, and Umeshwari Sahu, a Class 8 student of P.G. Umathe Vidyalaya, presented their project, Building Sponge City Together, based on the concept of rainwater harvesting and sustainable urban water management.
The competition featured students from six Indian states, with the duo being the only participants representing Chhattisgarh.
Their project is centred on the “sponge city” concept, an urban planning approach that enables cities to absorb, store and reuse rainwater through green infrastructure and improved drainage systems. The model aims to reduce waterlogging during heavy rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge and promote sustainable water use.
Speaking to ANI, Umeshwari Sahu described the competition as a valuable learning experience and expressed hope that the project would be developed further.
“We represented Chhattisgarh at the BRICS 2026 competition, where we were the state’s only participants. Students from six states across India took part. Our project focused on rainwater harvesting. Working on it gave us valuable learning, and we hope to develop this project further,” she said.
The students’ participation reflects the growing focus on scientific innovation and environmental awareness among schoolchildren. With several regions in India facing water scarcity, erratic rainfall and the impacts of climate change, rainwater harvesting is widely recognised as an effective means of replenishing groundwater, reducing dependence on conventional water sources and improving long-term water security.
Their achievement also underscores the importance of encouraging school-level research and innovation to develop practical, environment-friendly solutions to climate challenges and promote sustainable development.
(With inputs from ANI)
