In the classrooms and green spaces of Guwahati, learning is no longer limited to textbooks. Children are asking questions that reflect a growing concern in the city: Where does our drinking water come from? Why do some streams dry up in winter? What happens when wetlands disappear?
Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India and one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, faces increasing challenges in accessing potable water despite being surrounded by rivers, streams, wetlands, forests, and hills. Rapid urbanisation, shrinking water bodies, and the intensifying effects of climate change are putting unprecedented pressure on the city’s natural systems. Recurring water shortages, particularly during dry seasons, highlight the emerging urban water crisis affecting households across the city.
Responding to this concern, Aaranyak, one of India’s leading environmental conservation organisations, launched a school-level programme in Kamrup (Metro) district in 2025, focusing on water conservation and judicious use of water. Targeting students from Classes IV to VII across 15 schools, the initiative recognises schools as critical spaces to nurture early awareness, responsible behaviour, and long-term stewardship of water resources.
By reaching children at a formative age, the programme seeks to build informed communities capable of addressing both present and future water-related challenges. Teachers have noted that students are taking conversations about water use, wastage, and conservation beyond the classroom, discussing them at home and in their neighbourhoods.
Though modest in scale, the initiative aligns with global and national priorities. It echoes the COP30 call in Belém, Brazil, emphasizing integrated approaches to water allocation, land use, infrastructure, disaster risk management, and climate strategies. It also supports India’s Mission LiFE, which promotes environmentally responsible lifestyles through everyday choices.
The impact is already visible. Smt. Namita Baishya, Headmistress of Khanapara Adarsha LP School, said, “The programme helped students understand multiple dimensions of water use and the importance of judicious consumption, going far beyond textbook learning.” Rohit Sarma, a Class V student from Tetelia Bori LP School, shared that he now understands which activities harm water resources and how to protect them.
Mr. Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Assistant Director and Head-in-Charge of Aaranyak’s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division (EECBD), emphasised that early intervention is key to addressing the emerging water crisis. Developing scientific understanding and responsible attitudes towards water at a young age is crucial for a sustainable future.
The initiative goes beyond the classroom, including activities such as forensic science demonstrations, birdwatching sessions, and biodiversity documentation exercises. These experiential activities help students observe ecological interactions, habitat conditions, and climate-linked changes in their surroundings, connecting them directly to water challenges like declining quality, seasonal scarcity, and stress on urban ecosystems.
Implemented in association with Samagra Shiksha Axom and supported by YouthNet, Nagaland; the Climate Studies and Knowledge Solutions Centre, Government of Nagaland; and the Mobius Foundation, the programme demonstrates the power of empowering young learners to translate global climate commitments into meaningful local action.
Looking ahead, Aaranyak plans to continue these school-level engagements to groom young learners into future nature stewards. In a city facing increasing water uncertainty, these early lessons may prove vital in shaping citizens who understand that protecting water today is essential for securing Guwahati’s tomorrow.
