Raipur Girls Win International Praise For Rainwater Harvesting Project

Two students from a government school in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, have achieved international recognition for their project on rainwater harvesting and geospatial technology.

The project, titled 'Building Sponge City Together', was presented by Vartika Patil and Umeshwari Sahu at the BRICS 2026 competition held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati on July 22. The competition saw participation from students representing six states across the country.

Vartika Patil and Umeshwari Sahu, students of Class 7 and 8 at PG Umathe Vidyalaya, were the only participants from Chhattisgarh. They conducted a survey of 400 households, utilizing modern tools such as Google Earth, and spread awareness about water conservation.

The project 'Building Sponge City Together' focuses on rainwater harvesting and geospatial technology. The students presented their project on the BRICS 2026 platform, highlighting the importance of conserving every drop of rainwater and showcasing the benefits of rainwater harvesting.

Behind Vartika's achievement lies the struggle of her mother, Jyoti Patil, who took up driving an auto-rickshaw after the death of her husband to support the family and ensure her daughter's education.

The international judges at the event appreciated the project and encouraged the students to develop it further. The judges noted that the project could help India deal with water scarcity, a global challenge.

Through the presentation, the students got to learn about geospatial technology and its applications. They also learned about the importance of conserving water and the benefits of rainwater harvesting.

The achievement of these two students is a testament to the potential of government school students in India. Despite limited resources, they were able to create a project that earned international recognition.

The project 'Building Sponge City Together' is an example of how innovation and creativity can be used to solve real-world problems. The students' achievement is an inspiration to others, and their project has the potential to make a positive impact on the environment.

In conclusion, the achievement of Vartika Patil and Umeshwari Sahu is a significant one, and their project on rainwater harvesting and geospatial technology has the potential to make a positive impact on the environment. Their story is an inspiration to others, and a testament to the potential of government school students in India.