Indore boosts sustainability with rainwater harvesting initiatives on 100,000 additional rooftops

Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) plans to extend their rainwater harvesting initiatives to an additional 100,000 residential and commercial structures this year, motivated by promising results from last year's initiatives. The citywide endeavour aims to increase groundwater levels, despite the lack of scientific data directly correlating the two.

IMC Executive Engineer, Sunil Gupta, recounted the success of last year's efforts. "In the previous year, we successfully facilitated the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in around 100,000 residential and commercial structures before the onset of monsoon. Post-monsoon, readings from citywide piezometers indicated a significant increase in groundwater levels," he said.

Although IMC senior officials haven't been able to substantiate the rise in groundwater levels through hard scientific data, several media reports citing piezometer measurements hint at a positive trend, with some locations showing an increase of up to 1.5 meters.

In the face of these encouraging findings, the civic body is determined to replicate last year's success. Plans are already underway to initiate awareness campaigns and encourage the targeted households and commercial establishments to install rainwater harvesting systems.

The importance of rainwater harvesting systems cannot be overstated. They not only help in recharging the groundwater levels but also mitigate the effects of water scarcity and aid in water conservation. By capturing and storing rainwater, these systems reduce dependence on groundwater and surface water resources. Moreover, they can help in reducing flooding and soil erosion during heavy rains, contributing to a more balanced and healthier ecosystem.

The IMC's drive to expand the reach of rainwater harvesting gained legislative backing last year when rainwater harvesting systems became mandatory for all existing and proposed residential buildings over 1,500 square feet in Indore. The Madhya Pradesh government further strengthened this initiative by introducing the Indore Municipal Corporation (Rainwater Harvesting) Bylaws 2022, mandating the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in all non-residential and governmental structures.

According to these bylaws, any noncompliance will attract a penalty of Rs 5,000, and existing structures that meet the criteria are also required to install rainwater harvesting systems.

In conclusion the IMC's ambitious project to expand rainwater harvesting systems to 100,000 additional structures is a testament to Indore's commitment towards sustainable water management. Despite the absence of solid scientific data, the promising trends observed in groundwater levels suggest that the city is on the right path. As the rest of the world grapples with the increasingly pressing issue of water scarcity, initiatives like these offer hope for a more sustainable future.

This story was first published in ET Realty

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Indore boosts sustainability with rainwater harvesting initiatives on 100,000 additional rooftops

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