From Corporate to Conservation: The Man Who Left London to Recycle Greywater in Indian Schools

Prashant Sharma's Non-Profit Saves Six Lakh Litres of Water Annually in Schools Across India

Prashant Sharma, once a programme manager in an IT firm in London, made a life-altering decision to address the water crisis in India. Witnessing the "Day Zero" crisis in Chennai on June 19, 2019, where the city ran out of drinking water, Prashant was deeply moved. This critical situation forced him to search for solutions to the water scarcity problem.

After extensive research, Prashant found that greywater—domestic wastewater from wash basins, washing machines, showers, and kitchens—could be recycled effectively. This discovery led him to establish the 'Positive Action for Child and Earth Foundation' in 2022. His non-profit focuses on providing greywater recycling solutions to schools, colleges, and other organizations.

Prashant's initiative has already made a significant impact. Schools in Delhi and Uttarakhand are now saving six lakh litres of freshwater annually thanks to his sustainable recycling methods. His model, which uses constructed wetlands and natural filtration materials, allows for the recycling of greywater for various uses, such as groundwater recharge, irrigation, and toilet flushing.

Prashant’s journey towards sustainability began long before the Chennai crisis. As a designated sustainability champion in his local borough, he led numerous environmental initiatives, including waste segregation and composting campaigns. However, the 2019 water crisis and his dissatisfaction with corporate life propelled him to fully commit to his passion for water conservation.

The non-profit operates with a self-funded model, charging schools and colleges only for civil work. Prashant also plans to offer consultation services with annual maintenance contracts to generate revenue, which will support initiatives in less affluent communities.

Prashant's dedication to his cause is unwavering, driven by positive responses from both urban and rural areas. He believes that living a purposeful life involves more than just making money—it involves meeting the needs of those within one's sphere of influence.

Reference:

thebetterindia.com