Rainwater harvesting in Pune: Imposing penalties, undertaking surveys is way forward, say experts

Civic authorities must act very strictly on those who have inefficient rainwater harvesting systems. Housing societies should be penalised for not maintaining the systems properly, say experts.

Experts in rainwater harvesting and residents have suggested steps to address serious issues arising from poor installation of rainwater harvesting systems by builders and their poor maintenance by housing societies.

Sudhir Deshmukh, a resident, said, “The municipality should come forward and help societies in at least getting a survey of the existing systems lying defunct and which need to be made operational. Only then will people realise the worth of rainwater harvesting.” (HT PHOTO)

Milind Khadilkar an expert in rainwater harvesting, said, “It is true that the builders often do not provide good rainwater harvesting systems. However, what is equally evident is their poor maintenance by societies after a few years of their installation. Civic authorities must act very strictly on those who have inefficient rainwater harvesting systems. Housing societies should be penalised for not maintaining the systems properly. We often find that there is trash accumulated inside the pipelines and tanks, leading to a complete breakdown of the entire system. While it is the duty of the builder to install the systems, it is also the responsibility of the societies to maintain it.”

Sudhir Deshmukh, a resident, said, “The municipality should come forward and help societies in at least getting a survey of the existing systems lying defunct and which need to be made operational. Only then will people realise the worth of rainwater harvesting.”