- ‘Pravah’ blends environmental action with engineering innovation along Sabarmati riverfront
- Over 300 kg waste cleared as 80+ students step beyond campus for real-world impact
- Nature walk deepens ecological awareness before hands-on cleanup begins
- From flood-rescue algorithms to model dams, tech challenges mirror water crises solutions
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, APR 14
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), through its student body Amalthea ’26, recently organised Pravah, a two-day initiative focused on the environment and technology. The idea was simple: take the institute’s “Green Campus” values beyond IITGN and put them into action along the Sabarmati riverfront.
The event saw participation from over 80 students, who came together for a large-scale clean-up drive as well as a set of water-themed technical competitions. In many ways, it stood out as a meaningful student-led effort in the region.
The clean-up drive covered a stretch from Aranya Park to Sant Sarovar Dam. Volunteers, equipped with gloves and collection bags, worked along the riverbank and managed to collect over 300 kilograms of waste. It was a straightforward but powerful reminder of what a committed group can achieve in just a few hours.
Before the clean-up began, participants joined a guided nature walk led by a naturalist. They were introduced to the local ecosystem, including native plants and animals, which helped put the clean-up effort into perspective. It wasn’t just about removing waste, it was about understanding what they were helping protect.
– NE photo
Support for the initiative came from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), which came on board as the Title Sponsor, and the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), which partnered as the Jal Jeevan Partner. The NGO Diving Deep also played an important role in coordinating activities on the ground and guiding volunteers throughout the drive.
On the next day, the focus shifted to technical competitions, all centred around water-related challenges. In AquaRescue, participants designed algorithms to guide robots through simulated flood situations. Claw Craft saw teams building hydraulic claws using syringes, while Gravity Bound involved constructing model dams capable of handling increasing pressure and load.
The day wrapped up with ‘Jal Jeevan Trivia’, a quiz competition inspired by KBC. Starting with 20 teams, it moved through multiple rounds before ending in a final showdown, with a prize of ₹12,000.
Through Pravah, students showed that environmental concern doesn’t have to remain theoretical; it can translate into real action. At the same time, the technical events reflected how engineering thinking can be applied to real-world challenges. Together, it made Pravah both impactful and grounded in purpose.
