SIWA Expressing concern over the dipping levels of ground-water. There was a need for prioritizing the task of setting up rainwater harvesting pits.
SIWA appealed to the citizens, residential welfare associations, non-governmental organizations, and engineering colleges to take up rainwater harvesting pits in their colonies to improve groundwater levels.
Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse before it reaches the aquifer.
Uses include water for garden, water for livestock, water for irrigation, and indoor heating for houses etc.. In many places the water collected is just redirected to a deep pit with percolation.
The harvested water can be used as drinking water as well as for storage and other purpose like irrigation.
Makes use of a natural resource and reduces flooding, storm water , erosion, and contamination of surface water with pesticides, sediment, metals, and fertilizers.
Excellent source of water for landscape irrigation, with no chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine, and no dissolved salts and minerals from the soil.
Home systems can be relatively simple to install and operate and it may reduce your water bill.
Promotes both water and energy conservation.
Hyderabad:As the monsoon begins to withdraw, it leaves in its wake some very satisfied citizens of Greater Hyderabad.
Groundwater levels have gone up in the city. The average groundwater level was 6.27 metres on October 2 last year, which is 5.94 metres now in 2013.
As per the recommendations of the standing committee, the GHMC will bear 50% of the estimated cost of the pits with regards to the participation of residential welfare associations and the NGOs.
The Commissioner also said that the citizens are requested to come forward to avail themselves of this opportunity, by duly contacting the deputy municipal commissioners and executive engineers concerned.As per the directions of the GHMC Mayor, the requests made by the citizens (online) will be taken up, and sanctions will be accorded within 15 days from the date of receipt of the request. Source:Hyderabad, June 4/2013 : GHMC Mayor rain water harvesting awareness campaign.
Visakhapatnam GVMC turns to rainwater harvesting
With severe water scarcity looming and water in reservoirs depleting, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has begun an exercise at rainwater harvesting involving members of self-help groups. Forming a rainwater pit is mandatory for approval of a building plan. The need for rain water harvesting was dire as water levels dipped to 300 m at many places and at some places bore-wells drying up. In recognition of their contribution, citizens would be given ‘Eco-friendly cards.’
The idea of a recharge well (instead of a pit) is that of retired professor of Geo Engineering of Andhra University V. Venkateswara Rao. The well as against a pit will have a storage capacity 5 cu feet and will be able to store the water even if the rain is heavy in a short duration.
Heavy spells of rain in short durations is said to be one the characteristics of city climate change and temperature going up.Source:GVMC July 13, 2012 , The Hindu
Chennai: Records Rise in Groundwater Level, Says Report
The average ground water level in the city rose by 0.80 metres due to implementation of rainwater harvesting, according to Chennai Metro Water.
A Chennai Metro Water report said the water level was 4.20 metre from the surface, but after the rain water harvesting, the water level had risen to the level of 3.20 metre from the surface.
Interestingly, this comes after the city installed 8 lakh rain water harvesting structures. Besides, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority plans to carry out rainwater harvesting audit though a network of NGOs, who pioneered in this field.
