RWH planned at Metro stations
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for rainwater harvesting at its station.
The Corporation is looking at the possibility of a public private partnership (PPP) in harvesting rainwater which could then be supplied to consumers on a commercial basis.
In its tender notice, BMRCL has invited not just firms, but also NGOs to be part of the three-way process which includes – harvesting the rainwater coming down from the pipes of the piers in collection tanks of suitable size at convenient points, treating the water for drinking purposes and supplying the potable water on commercial basis to bulk consumers.
B S Chavan, spokesperson for BMRCL, said: “The city, on an average, receives 960 mm rainfall annually. If we are able to use rainwater, a lot of the problems faced by consumers will reduce. That is why we are looking at commercialising this process.” On the East-West stretch of Reach I, the length of the elevated corridor is 13.22 km, while on the North-South corridor it is 20.20 km. The width of the viaduct being 10 metres, it is a large receptor of rainwater.
Great scope
He said: “The Corporation is also looking at conserving rainwater which flows down its medians. There is great scope for this project given the space we cover across the City in Phase I.” Chavan was, however, not able to provide information on the quantum of water used at the Metro stations per day.
Incidentally, since 2000, the Bangalore Division of South Western Railway (SWR) has been recycling water for use in its station premises. While BMRCL does not have to bother on use of water in toilets, Railway stations - apart from water used for cleaning platforms and coaches - have to ensure clean water is provided at its toilets.
An SWR official said the Bangalore City railway station consumes seven lakh to eight lakh litres of water daily.
Prakash Mandoth - chairman of infrastructure committee, FKCCI - said BMRCL must encourage such activities at its stations. “Stations on all reaches of the Metro must have such a facility. The recycling plant near MG Colony has been providing eight lakh litres of water to Bangalore City station. A lot of water has been saved thanks to this facility. Similary, RWH at Metro stations will work wonders,” he said.
