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In a world where access to clean water is increasingly becoming a critical concern, innovative approaches to water conservation are gaining significance. Rainwater harvesting has long been recognised as an effective means of preserving this precious resource, and it's now proving to be a financial boon for one Indian municipality.
Collecting rainwater serves a dual purpose: it not only fulfils our water needs but also offers financial benefits. This realisation has prompted the Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JuMC) to embark on this journey. JuMC has not only embraced rainwater harvesting but has also achieved a milestone as the first Indian civic body to amass water credits, aligning with global efforts to protect our dwindling water resources.
The concept of water credits was introduced by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2014. These credits are distributed through authorised agencies and can be redeemed by civic bodies, industries, and residential communities that effectively store rainwater.
JuMC's achievement involves earning an impressive 9 million water credits for conserving 100 million litres of water in its Hasnapur water reservoir, which caters to 30% of the city's water needs. The corporation initiated the process by submitting a request for water credits in July 2023. Their project underwent a meticulous evaluation by the United Water Registry (UWR), an agency authorised by the UNFCCC.
The Hasnapur dam and reservoir, dating back to 1964, boasts a substantial storage capacity of up to 340 billion cubic feet of water. This massive reservoir has been pivotal in enabling JuMC to become the first civic body in India to earn water credits.
This remarkable concept opens doors to generate financial resources from stored rainwater in reservoirs. In an era where the demand for water is continuously increasing, this innovation serves as a beacon of hope for sustainable water management.
To make this achievement possible, JuMC collaborated with Gram Vikas Trust (GVT), a voluntary organisation, which played a vital role in documentation and video evidence of their rainwater harvesting efforts. It's important to highlight that the issuance of water credits is overseen by UN-designated agencies.
The collaboration with GVT had a unique condition: they provided their services without any charges to JuMC, with the sole condition of sharing half of the water credits earned. This collaborative spirit demonstrates the willingness of multiple stakeholders to work together for a sustainable and water-secure future.
Junagadh's pioneering approach to earning water credits through rainwater harvesting sets a precedent for other civic bodies and communities to follow. It showcases the potential of sustainable water management and the capacity to harness financial resources while conserving this essential resource. It's a testament to the power of innovative solutions in addressing complex environmental challenges and serves as a beacon of hope for a more water-secure future.
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