Many localities in large cities are facing acute shortage of water. With depleting ground water resource and river water, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly finally passed the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage (Amendment) Bill 2011, making it mandatory to install rainwater harvesting systems (RWH) in all commercial building and residential properties in the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits measuring 1,200 sq ft and above.
The cost of installing rainwater harvesting is minimal. Installing RWH system in a house built in 30x40 ft site will cost about Rs 10,000 and in an average apartment in Bangalore of 30 houses, it would cost around Rs 3,00000.
Rainwater harvesting comes as a big relief for the water crisis and is able to meet the demand for water in Bangalore. The city receives around 1000 mm of rainfall every year which is roughly 60-70 rainy days and installing RWH system in a building with a roof of at least 100 sqft will be able to store about 97,000 litres of rainwater every year which takes care of a family’s water needs for about 200 days. Installing the system will not only reduce water problems for an individual or a family but will have an environmental impact by reducing the pressure on the ground water which has been used extensively resulting in it fast depleting. It is definitely a good investment to make while buying a house; a few thousands more will ensure a lifetime supply of safe and clean water for zero cost.
In states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, implementing water harvesting has resulted in an increase in water levels and has proven to be an excellent model for harvesting rain water. Now, it has been implemented in Bangalore and is expected to reduce water problems for the residents. |