Page 64 - Shelter - April 2025
P. 64
CASE STUDY
regional resilience institute When discussing the concept resources is essential for
defines resilience as “the of resilience in schools, enhancing community
capability to anticipate risk, the definition may vary resilience. In addition to
limit impact, and bounce back significantly. Schools feature infrastructural development,
rapidly through survival, a distinct infrastructure, the empowerment of
adaptability, evolution, water and sanitation facilities communities—particularly
and growth in the face of being one of the essential children—remains a
turbulent change.” In other components. The availability fundamental aspect.
words, one needs to adapt of water, both as a source for Children, as agents of change,
and prepare for future drinking and for sanitation possess the capacity to
adversities for minimum purposes, is of paramount significantly influence their
impact (Community and importance. Any disruption families and communities,
Regional Resilience Institute in the water supply can thereby promoting enduring
(CARRI), 2013). have severe consequences, progress. By equipping them
leading to an unhealthy and with appropriate skills, we
However, when discussing unhygienic environment enable them to cultivate
water resilience, the definition that poses health risks, greater bravery, adaptability,
takes on a more nuanced discourages attendance, and and resilience in confronting
meaning within this specific negatively impacts student future challenges.
context. At the city level, the enrolment. Prolonged
C40 Knowledge Community water scarcity can further Acknowledging the potential
describes a water-resilient exacerbate these challenges, of young minds, this project
city as one that can withstand ultimately hindering the was facilitated by CURE
and adapt to water-related learning process. Therefore, and supported by OakNorth
shocks and stresses, such it is essential for schools, Foundation. Here when
as prolonged droughts, particularly in water-stressed we are speaking of resilient
flooding, storm surges, and areas, to establish sufficient schools, we specifically refer
rising sea levels (The City and adequate infrastructure. to the goal of achieving water
Water Resilience Approach, resilience within the school
2019). In a business context, Gurugram, a rapidly infrastructure. This entails
water resilience focuses on urbanising megacity with a implementing systems that
maintaining operational population of 30 lakh, faces guarantee self-sufficiency
stability while being cost- severe water challenges due in water availability. Such
efficient. Investing in water to peri-urban growth, reduced systems will include the
resilience not only safeguards groundwater recharge, treatment of wastewater and
business operations but also and contamination from the reuse of water, thereby
promotes sustainable water untreated sewage. Unchecked fostering a circular economy
use and a more resilient future development, inadequate of water management. This
approach aims to ensure
municipal water supply, and
amid climate change (Basics monsoon unpredictability that, regardless of supply
of Water Resilience, 2024). further threatens water fluctuations or unforeseen
From a utility perspective, security. adverse conditions, the
the emphasis is on ensuring system maintains a consistent
continuous access to safe CURE believes that availability of water
drinking water and effective the establishment of throughout the year.
wastewater treatment (Water sustainable, context-specific
Resilience, n.d.). solutions utilising local Two government schools
62 HUDCO-HSMI Publication
