Here is how housing societies can conserve rainwater
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Here is how housing societies can conserve rainwater

"Awareness is a very important thing when we talk about preserving something."

Here is how housing societies can conserve rainwater

With monsoons about to hit the capital, the relevance of rainwater collection is once again gaining traction. According to Colonel (Retd) Shashikant Dalvi (74), National Coordinator (Water Conservation) Climate Reality Project India, 100mm of rainfall on 1000 sqft of rooftop, generates 10,000 liters of rainwater. This is the rain water potential of the area. Delhi receives 780 mm of rainfall hence rooftop rain water potential is around 75,000 liters per 1000 sq ft. However, the majority of the water tends to run away, resulting in drought-like circumstances.

The worrying reality is Delhi's underground water table is going down each year. 

To know more about Rainwater Harvesting System, CitySpidey talked to Colonel (Retd) Shashikant Dalvi, National Coordinator (Water Conservation) Climate Reality Project India.

Colonel (Retd) Shashikant Dalvi
Credit: Supplied

Colonel (Retd) Shashikant Dalvi, National Coordinator (Water Conservation) Climate Reality Project India, highlights the grave scenario of water scarcity. He says, "Water is the most violated natural resource. If things continue as they are, India's taps will run dry in no time. There is a high chance that our cities and villages will run out of water."

Also read: Dwarka: Sector 23 waterbody in need of DDA attention

“Every year, monsoon only takes place in June onwards to September and a few weeks of October. 85% of rain takes place during monsoon only. Awareness is a very important thing when we talk about preserving something. If people are aware, only then can save water and increase the groundwater level rapidly. I’m working since 2003 to make Indian villages and states ‘Jal Aatm Nirbhar’."

In 2003, Col. Dalvi installed the First Multi-Story Complex RWH System in his society in Pune. The level of water in his society's bore well was 225 feet deep. In nearly a month, their society was tanker water-free. He also stated that rainwater collecting has aided in groundwater recharging, increasing the groundwater level.

“The success story can't be assessed since every individual saves a different quantity of water, every housing society and bungalow can install this and save water on its own. The importance of rainwater harvesting is water conservation. After all, this is the greatest gift we can give to our children and grandchildren”, says Col. Dalvi.

He further added, “Rainwater collection is the most effective approach to prevent cities and villages from drying out. We can be the saviour of groundwater levels, energy, and electricity with the use of rainwater harvesting. Also, this rooftop rainwater harvesting system does not consume electricity and works independently.”

Credit: Supplied

He also shares some tips to maintain, a rooftop water harvesting system before the monsoon.

  • Keep rooftop terrace clean.
  • The Downtake pipe screen should be inspected and cleaned. In case damaged kindly get it replaced.
  • Downtake pipe should be checked for cracks or loose joints. If so get joints fixed and replace cracked or damaged pipes.
  • RWH Filters should be cleaned by trained staff.
  • In the case of chambers in the system, they must be maintained properly.
  • Recharge pits in the campus must be maintained, if more than 4 years old, change the filer material.
  • Maintain bore well joints.

To know more about the importance of the RWH System, CitySpidey talks to environmentalist, Aditya Pundir, Director of India and South Asia, The Climate Reality Project India.

Aditya Pundir
Credit: Supplied
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“This is a very effective and time-testing technique for recharging groundwater. The water is collected from the rooftops as it is the rainwater so, it is pure and when this water goes through the filter present in the system, it removes all the impurities of the water. So, the most important part of rainwater harvesting is keeping the collective area clean such as roofs, surfaces, and gutters clean. Before the rain comes in June all collective area needs to be well cleaned where the rainwater is collected. This will increase the chance of getting more clean water.”

He further added. “It is very important to check the rooftop water harvesting system's filter before monsoon starts. Also the pipes which are connected to bore wells and other things to find out if there is any leakage. And any need for maintenance is there so it can be done before rain. Also, when rainwater goes into the ground, it improves the quality of groundwater already present there. Also, it’s not an electricity drive, it saves energy and is also cost-effective because it’s a very low maintenance system. It only needs to be clean once before the monsoon and filters have to clean or changed if clogged. Also this technique saves water, increases ground level, and saves energy which directly improves the condition of the environment.”

This Rooftop rainwater harvesting has been mandated to implement a rainwater harvesting system. The model has proven very effective for certain Dwarka societies. CitySpidey talks to some residents of Delhi-NCR to know their views about it.

Shameera Ashroff, Skylark Apartments, Dwarka- Sector 6, says “I didn’t see any kind of problem of water because of this rainwater harvesting system. I and my all society member are very happy. Also, the DDA supply water is very good but in case there is some problem occurs, we can rely on the rainwater."

Nitin Kumar, Society Golf City, Sector 75 Noida Uttar Pradesh, says “ This is a very effective system and it really helps but right now some of the pipes are leaking and some maintenance work needs to be done. So, maybe next week the work will start with full pace and be completed before the monsoon comes.”

Prabhat Vatsa, President AOA, Prateek Laurel Society says, “Rainwater harvesting system is a technique which is positively investing to the environment. Every society and people in every village and cities need to install this system in their homes and society.”