Rain harvesting must for Bangalore buildings-Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India

Rain harvesting must for Bangalore buildings-Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India

Finally, the government seems to have understood how grave the water problem would be in the coming
days.

Five years after the rule was legislated, the state cabinet on Tuesday made it mandatory for all new constructions covering 1,200 sqft (30 by 40 ft site) and beyond to install rainwater harvesting systems in Bangalore.

However, old buildings are not forgotten. They will be given some time to go in for installations.

"The new regulation will be applicable with immediate effect for all new constructions but old buildings will be given some time,'' rural development and panchayat raj minister Shobha Karandlaje told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

Shobha said the groundwater table in Bangalore has dipped to dangerously low levels and taking cognizance of it, the government will soon frame guidelines for the installation of rainwater systems. This, after bringing amendments to 72 (A) clause of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) Act, 1964.

Apart from residential houses, all government buildings, institutions, local bodies, cooperative bodies and government-aided bodies will be directed to compulsorily make provisions for collection and conservation of rainwater in their premises.

Asked whether incentives will be offered to those who comply with the new regulation, the minister said a decision on this will be taken soon.

The government had issued a GO in 2004 making rainwater harvesting systems mandatory in new constructions, but the rule was hardly followed. However, last year, the BWSSB took some initiatives and issued orders that no new constructions would be issued water and sanitary connections without rainwater harvesting systems.

The owner will have to give an undertaking to the BWSSB stating that the "rainwater harvesting system has been completed in all respects and the system will be maintained properly.'' The undertaking will be endorsed by the junior engineer/assistant engineer after inspecting the spot to verify whether the rainwater harvesting systems has been installed as per the drawings submitted.

To popularize the concept, even the BBMP had earlier announced some concession in property tax for those rainwater harvesting compliance. But it didn't work.

Consumer friendly modules

* Roof-top rain water harvesting

* Open area water collection

* Pits and percolation tanks

Cost

* Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000 depending on building size