Urban Local Bodies to set up a Rainwater Harvesting Cell 10/07/2019 – Posted in: Daily News

 URBAN LOCAL BODIES TO SET UP A RAINWATER HARVESTING CELL

 

For: Preliminary & Mains

Topics covered: Rainwater harvesting, Significance, Role of Urban local bodies/ municipal corporations

 

News Flash

The Centre has asked all urban local bodies/ municipal corporations to set up a cell for effective monitoring of rainwater harvesting and revival of at least one water body in their respective areas.

  • The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry have issued ‘Guidelines for Urban Water Conservation’.
  • The guidelines have been issued as part of the first phase of ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ which began on July 1.

Rainwater Harvesting

Significance 

  • The ‘Rainwater Harvesting Cell’ will monitor the extent of groundwater extraction and groundwater aquifer recharge.
  • The revival of several water bodies can store water and recharge groundwater besides improving the amenity value of the area.

 

Guidelines

  • Urban local bodies in the future will have all building permissions granted must have RWH (rain water harvesting) structures incorporated.
  • ULBs should constitute a Rain water Harvesting Cell, responsible for effective monitoring of rainwater harvesting in the city.
  • Every city must initiate action to revive at least one water body during Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
  • With identifications of all the water bodies in the city and select one for rejuvenation through public consultations.
  • The guidelines also advocate for plantation drives near water bodies, public spaces, parks and on the roadside to improve green cover and the water cycle.
  • ULBs should undertake de-concretizing of pavements. The concretization of urban public spaces such as roadside footpaths and walkways in parks has an adverse effect on natural water percolation.

 

Background

  • The Jal Shakti Ministry has identified 255 districts and 1,597 blocks across the country as water stressed.
  • In addition, 756 ULBs have been identified as water stressed across the country.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

You can follow us on LinkedIn and for more updates related to UPSC IAS Preparation, Like our Facebook Page and subscribe our Diligent IAS Youtube Channel 

Also, Read Related Daily News