Bylaws on rainwater harvesting violated

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 8

Though the installation of rainwater harvesting system and recharge wells has been made mandatory by the MC, residents have not been following the guidelines.

Following the building bylaws, the MC collects Rs 25,000 as security fee from every building owner before the commencement of construction. As per the rule, a building owner should install the rainwater harvesting system and recharge well and then get back his security money.

It is a common practice among residents that they submit the security fee but do not install the rainwater harvesting system. They also don’t claim their security.

With the ongoing practice, the government’s effort to boost the water table is not bringing any change.

Civil society members seek such initiatives from major commercial establishments, clubs and hotels to encourage the residents to install rainwater harvesting systems.

Dr AL Adlakha, eminent ENT surgeon, has written to the prominent clubs of the city for installation of water harvesting systems. “As the problem of depleting groundwater level has been raising its ugly head, it is our responsibility to save every drop of water. This can be done by installing water harvesting system in clubs so that maximum rainwater reaches underground and water table rises,” he said.

“I got positive response. The management of one club is ready to install the system. We will make more efforts to make people aware of it,” he added.