The Rajasthan government has mandated rainwater harvesting systems in all new residential and commercial buildings to combat groundwater depletion and frequent droughts. Effective immediately, the Public Health Engineering Department will withhold water connections from properties lacking these systems. The directive applies to residential plots of 225 square metres or more and commercial plots of 500 square metres or more, aligning with the Environmental Protection Building Regulations 2020 and RIICO Building Regulation 2021. Non-compliance could lead to fines or imprisonment. The government is also promoting awareness and education on sustainable water management to encourage responsible water usage across the state.
The Rajasthan government has announced that all new residential and commercial buildings in the state must include rainwater harvesting systems. This directive, issued by the Water Resources Department (WRD), aims to enhance groundwater levels in the region, which often faces severe drought conditions.
Starting immediately, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) will not provide drinking water connections to any property that does not comply with the new regulations. According to the notification released on August 5, residential buildings covering an area of 225 square metres or more, as well as commercial buildings of 500 square metres or more, are required to implement rainwater harvesting facilities.
Samit Sharma, the WRD secretary, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated that the owners or residents must construct rainwater recharge structures. Until these structures are built, municipal corporations or councils will not issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for water connections. Non-compliance may lead to legal actions, including fines or imprisonment.
The new regulations align with the Environmental Protection Building Regulations 2020, which mandate the construction of water harvesting units for larger residential plots. In industrial zones, the requirement applies to plots measuring 500 square metres or more, as outlined in the RIICO Building Regulation 2021. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the construction of rainwater harvesting systems becomes a standard practice in the state.
Experts have long pointed out the need for sustainable water management practices, particularly in arid regions like Rajasthan. With a growing population and increasing demand for water, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems can play a crucial role in replenishing groundwater supplies. These systems not only help capture and store rainwater but also reduce the burden on existing water resources, providing a more sustainable solution for both residential and commercial needs.
In addition to the new regulations, the state government is also promoting awareness about the benefits of rainwater harvesting. Workshops and training sessions are being organised to educate builders and residents about the proper construction and maintenance of these systems. By fostering a culture of water conservation, the government hopes to encourage responsible water usage and reduce dependency on traditional water sources.
The enforcement of these regulations is expected to face challenges, particularly in terms of compliance and monitoring. However, officials from the WRD are optimistic that the new law will empower the government to take action against builders and property owners who fail to adhere to the guidelines. "We believe this will ensure the construction of necessary rainwater harvesting infrastructure and promote a more sustainable approach to water management in the state," a senior official stated.
As Rajasthan continues to grapple with water scarcity, the introduction of mandatory rainwater harvesting systems marks a critical step towards addressing this pressing issue. By integrating these systems into new buildings, the state aims to create a more resilient water supply, benefiting both current and future generations.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
