2019 – Posted in: Daily News – Tags: Rainwater harvesting

RAINWATER HARVESTING IN INDIA AND MULTIPLE HURDLES

For: Preliminary & Mains

Topics covered: Rainwater Harvesting related issues, multiple hurdles

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain water that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc.

This water runs off can be either stored or recharged into the groundwater.

Why do Rain water harvesting?

Rain may soon be the only source of clean water.
It helps meet the ever-increasing demand for water.
Rain water harvesting improves the quality and quantity of groundwater.
Reduces flooding.

Rainwater Harvesting in India

Tamil Nadu was the first state to make rain water harvesting compulsory for every building to avoid groundwater depletion.
In Bangaluru, Karnataka, adoption of rain water harvesting is mandatory for every owner or the occupier of a building having the site area measuring 30ft, 60 ft and above.
Rain Water Harvesting Theme Park, has been intiated and constructed by Bangaluru water supply Board.
In Rajasthan, rain water harvesting has traditionally been practised by the people of the Thar Desert.
At present, in Pune (Maharashtra), rain water harvesting is compulsory for any new housing society to be registered.
The Mumbai City council is planning to make rain water harvesting mandatory for large societies.

Multiple Hurdles in Rainwater Harvesting

Corporates have been facing multiple hurdles.
These includes unclear policy and red tape in clearing rain water conservation projects.
The number of permissions required at multiple levels and lack of proper processes.
Lack of standard written procedures for construction of check dams or other water harvesting systems by private parties in areas under government jurisdiction.
Eureka Forbes’ chief executive said, rain water harvesting should be pushed through rewards.
Laws relating to water harvesting in metros such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru aren’t good enough as they exist just on paper.

Rain water harvesting hurdles

Background

Twenty-one cities in India including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad will run out of groundwater by 2020.
40% of India’s population will have no access to drinking water by 2030.

Way Ahead

State governments can popularise rainwater harvesting by launching awareness drives, incentivize housing societies that comply with rebates on property tax, or penalize societies and builders which don’t comply.

Source: ET

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