Soon, a new rain harvesting policy in Rajasthan

28 October, 2012

A new policy has been readied by the Water Resources Department (WRD) of Government of Rajasthan (GOR) to be approved by the cabinet in the coming month. Once the policy is approved, it will be mandatory for all constructions in 300 sq m and beyond in the state to have roof-based water harvesting system.

THE WRD was of the view that for the last two years there had been good rainfall but most rain water got wasted since harvesting system was not made mandatory a there was no laws for it.

The proposed policy also suggests severe penalties for defaulters such as cutting off their water and electricity connections along with imposing a fine of Rs. 25,000 and/or seven days' imprisonment.

But, the irony is that the water harvesting systems already installed in government are not being properly maintained and have rendered non-functional.

Ancient Rajasthan had been famous for rain harvesting in the form of step wells or bawaris which have become defunct due to modern water supply systems.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for reuse for drinking, irrigation, washing and recharging the underground water table. Often, under a rain harvesting system, rainwater is collected from the roofs of houses and local institutions for reuse for various purposes and can be valuable contribution to the availability of drinking water and raising of water table.

Some developing countries have done a good job in rain harvesting. For example, in China and Brazil, rainwater harvesting is being used for providing drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation and replenishing the ground water levels. Inset picture shows an old rainwater harvesting system of steps-well in Rajasthan.