New Delhi: KL Deemed to be University (Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation—KLEF) has been honored with the prestigious “Leading Wastewater Treatment and Management Model Award” by the India Water Foundation (IWF), recognizing its innovative and technology-driven approach to water sustainability.
The accolade was presented during the Water Transversality Global Awards and Conclave 2026 held in New Delhi. Commander Gurumoorthy Gangadharan, Senior Director—Planning & Development at KLEF, received the award from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the ceremony.
The recognition highlights the university’s comprehensive and institution-wide efforts toward sustainable water management. KLEF has adopted a robust 4R framework—Reduce, Recharge, Recycle, and Reuse—to ensure efficient utilization and conservation of water resources across its campus.
A key component of this initiative is the university’s 2,180 KLD wastewater recycling system, which currently fulfills over 54 percent of the water demand at its Vijayawada campus. The system leverages advanced treatment technologies such as Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) and ARBiT, significantly improving water recovery efficiency from 53 percent to 74 percent.
In addition, the campus has established 32 rainwater harvesting pits, enabling groundwater recharge of nearly 3.7 lakh liters per day. Supported by real-time water monitoring systems and optimized irrigation practices, these measures have resulted in a 54 percent reduction in building water consumption and a 42 percent decrease in landscape irrigation usage, while maintaining a green campus spanning over 10.6 lakh square feet.
Reacting to the achievement, Chancellor Er. Koneru Satyanarayana said,
“Sustainability is a shared responsibility that goes beyond institutions. At KLEF, we believe responsible water management is essential for building resilient communities. Through innovation, research, and conscious practices, we aim to contribute to global sustainability goals and inspire broader environmental stewardship.”
The university’s Department of Planning & Development, along with faculty and staff, continues to play a vital role in driving sustainability initiatives. KLEF has previously received recognition from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Water Digest, CII–SR, and AICTE, and was recently acknowledged in the Water Stewardship category at the CII–SR Industrial Climate Action Competition.
With this latest honor, KL Deemed to be University further strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable water management and environmental responsibility.
