Amid concerns over decreasing groundwater levels in Raipur, the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) has mandated real estate developers to construct rainwater harvesting systems, targeting 50 pits per project. The goal is to build 50,000 pits citywide, with 20,000 during this monsoon season, each capable of storing 200,000 litres of rainwater. In a meeting with builders and CREDAI members, RMC Commissioner Abinash Mishra emphasised the urgency of combating water scarcity with innovative solutions. Prioritised areas include Saddu, Mowa, and Daldal Seoni. Developers like Raheja Homes and WallFort City have already begun compliance, highlighting the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting in projects like Indira Smriti Van. The initiative seeks broader community participation to ensure sustainable urban water management.
With concerns rising over the decreasing groundwater levels in Raipur, the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) has taken decisive steps to address the issue. The Corporation has mandated all real estate developers in the area to implement rainwater harvesting systems in their projects-specifically constructing at least 50 harvesting pits in each development using modern techniques.
The RMC's ambitious goal is to construct a total of 50,000 rainwater harvesting pits across the city, with 20,000 set to be built during this current monsoon season. Each pit has the potential to store approximately 200,000 litres of rainwater, significantly contributing to the recharging of local aquifers.
At a recent meeting, RMC Commissioner Abinash Mishra engaged with builders and members from the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI). The meeting focused on strategies to combat the ongoing water crisis exacerbated by reduced groundwater levels. Mishra commented that the collaboration marks a pivotal moment in addressing Raipur's water scarcity. By leveraging innovative rainwater harvesting technology, groundwater levels in the city can be dramatically increased.
Areas such as Saddu, Mowa, and Daldal Seoni are being prioritised for the installation of these pits, as they have been severely affected by dwindling groundwater supplies. Dr. K. Panigrahi, a geo-hydrologist, advised that while some areas see reliable water sources at 80 feet, others struggle to find water even at depths of up to 1,000 feet. This stark difference underscores the urgent need for immediate action in areas with low groundwater availability.
Developers like Raheja Homes and WallFort City have already begun implementing the RMC's directives, erecting 25 harvesting pits each. As a proof of concept, the Indira Smriti Van project in Daldal Seoni has successfully harvested over 5 million litres of rainwater through just three pits.
The groundwater depletion problem is not just limited to urban areas; the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates that while certain regions, including Abhanpur and Arang, maintain stable groundwater levels, the Dharsiwa block-home to numerous wards and industrial zones-faces a critical situation, with extraction rates nearing 97%. As the city continues to grow, this trend poses significant challenges not only for residential areas but also for agriculture and local ecosystems.
The RMC's initiative does not stop with the current developers. According to Commissioner Mishra, there are plans to engage non-CREDAI builders, encouraging them to participate in the rainwater harvesting effort. By creating a city-wide movement, officials hope to maximise the construction of harvesting pits and mitigate water shortages across Raipur.
As significant rainfall is anticipated in the upcoming monsoon season, the implementation of these rainwater harvesting systems could prove crucial in alleviating some of Raipur's water-related challenges. With adequate support and commitment from builders as well as community members, Raipur could establish a sustainable model for urban water management, setting an example for other cities facing similar issues.
The involvement of technology and community participation will be vital in ensuring the effectiveness of these measures. With the cooperation of builders and residents alike, Raipur stands a chance to not only recover its groundwater levels but to safeguard its water resources for future generations.
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