JOIN USThe Delhi government has issued notices to all building owners having a property of more than 500 square metres or more in the capital to install provisions for rainwater harvesting within one month.
The Delhi Jal Board had earlier made it mandatory for a property of 500 sqm or more for rainwater harvesting. But according to officials, the decision was not being implemented effectively and now the Delhi government’s Water Ministry has given one month to all such buildings to install infrastructure for rainwater harvesting.
“On non-compliance with the order, we will increase the tariff or levy a penalty,” Water Minister and Delhi Jal Board chairperson Kapil Mishra said. Mishra added that the Delhi government wants to encourage rainwater harvesting to boost the water table, and infrastructure for this purpose is being created.
“We are promoting the benefits of rainwater harvesting. Next year, we should be welcoming rain and not even one drop should be wasted,” he said.
Another proposal for rainwater harvesting is storing it in Bhatti mines. Mishra said the Delhi government is conducting a study on the proposal.
“It is just a suggestion till now. The ridge has the purest form of water. We don’t know we should mix rainwater or not, so a study is being done in this connection. If it will be possible, storage of water will also recharge groundwater,” the minister said.
The Delhi High Court in February this year had directed the Delhi Jal Board to make rainwater harvesting “attractive” by giving wide publicity to its benefits, including rebate in water tariff.