Rainwater Harvesting

Billions of rupees are being spent to meet the drinking water needs of the Indian nation. Public funds are being saved by educating the people on the need for rainwater harvesting.

The government has enacted a number of laws and advertisements to address the need for rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is included in primary education lessons to make children aware of the need for rainwater. Rainwater harvesting tanks are installed in every government office and in every government building. Laws have also been enacted requiring the rainwater harvesting system to be located in the newly constructed building.

Importance of rainwater harvesting

• Save fresh water at low cost
• Able to prevent groundwater level from declining
• Drinking water charges are greatly reduced
• Easy to build rainwater harvesting system
• Rainwater harvesting systems reduce the amount of flooding when excessive flooding occurs
• Fresh water is available instead of chemically contaminated water
• Agricultural lands are being rejuvenated

Types of rainwater harvesting

• Establishment and storage of ponds on agricultural lands
• Terrace storage systems
• Establishment of rainwater harvesting system in wells
• Converting a dry bore well into a storage tank

 Government schemes for rainwater harvesting

• The government subsidizes the construction of rainwater harvesting tanks
• Has added pictures about rainwater harvesting in the curriculum for children
• Has made emergency plans
• Rainwater storage system is compulsory for new buildings
• Offers concessions if rainwater is set up for factories