Purpose: Distribution and availability of usable water
The field trip to BWSSB in
Bangalore took place on the 17th of July. The children of Grade 3 visited the
facility at HSR layout in two batches. Once there, the person in charge gave us
a brief about the different processes and responsibilities of BWSSB. He began
the session with some inquiry about water which then led to the uses of BWSSB.
He spoke to the children at length about where the water is sourced from, how
it is purified, chemically treated, how the tanks are used for storage and supply,
what kind of pipelines are laid, and the role of BWSSB in providing household
supply of water.
The children were then taken to
the different parts of the unit showing them where the water is collected, how
the water was pumped into the water tankers, the pumping stations, where the
water flow was regulated by different meters, rainwater harvesting units, the
sewage maintenance trucks etc.
We
then discussed what happens to water supply when there is limited rainfall and
how it changes the regular schedule of water supply. The resource person also
spoke to the children about how domestic meters are installed and how the
billing system works. The children were quite fascinated with the different
facets of water supply and management with in the city. They had a few
questions regarding why BWSSB water is different from the private water
suppliers. The resource person then spoke to the children about how the water
is sourced from rivers which is a good source of freshwater. It is treated and purified
at regular intervals because of which the water is potable and easy to use.
The overall learning from this field trip
was to understand management and supply of freshwater within city limits
ensuring that all the people living in the city had access to clean drinking
water. The field trip helped the children to connect their learning with the
third Line of Inquiry: Distribution and availability of water.
