Bangalore: Groundwater levels are dipping faster than ever before. That is probably why rainwater harvesting is fast becoming the soundest ecological option. And Bangalore seems to be have taken it's cue.
Rain Water Harvesting Consultant S Vishwanath explains how the rooftop rainwater harvesting system works and how simple it is.
And this simple system can rid many cities of their water problems.
When Pushpa and her husband Pradeep started building their home in Bangalore, their architect advised them to install a rain-water harvesting system.
Pushpa Bopaiya said, "With two rains our tank fills up. It is of 6000 litre capacity. I need to build another one. For six months we don't want any other water other than rain water and it is very good."
Sanjay Nagar is one of the areas, which faces acute water shortage. But if the residents of the area were to invest in their own rainwater harvesting facility, it would go a long way in solving their water woes.
Two hours of good rainfall is enough to give up to 8000 litres of water, which is enough for a family of four people for a week.
S Vishwanath, the rain water harvesting consultant said, "If you are planning a new house or apartment the typical cost would be between 2500-3000 rupees which makes it about 1 per cent of the total cost of the house. That's only a one-time investment cost."
The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Building byelaws clearly say that rainwater harvesting is mandatory in any new building. But there are few who follow it.
Vishwanath said, "There has to be a sustained movement for awareness, communication and training, the real handicap is there are no trained plumbers available on call who will come and do the system for us".
However Vishwanath is doing his bit. He set up the rainwater club in 1995. The idea was to create awareness about rainwater harvesting.
"It is critical; Bangalore will get 1500 million litres per day at the end of Cauvery 4th stage. Beyond that there's no water in the Cauvery for Bangalore," said Vishwanath.
Consultants say water levels will be enough to meet demands only till 2011. Therefore rainwater harvesting is need of the hour.
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