Pune has experienced a significant rise in property owners claiming tax discounts for rainwater harvesting, with numbers soaring from 306 in 2012-2013 to 3,716 in 2022-2023. Despite this tenfold increase, overall adoption remains low. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers up to 10% tax rebates for rainwater harvesting, solar energy systems, and vermicomposting, with broader interest seen in the latter two. As water scarcity becomes a pressing issue, the PMC and local legislators stress the importance of rainwater harvesting in new constructions, aiming to enhance water conservation and sustainability efforts across the city.
Pune has seen a notable increase in property owners taking advantage of tax discounts for implementing rainwater harvesting systems. Over the past decade, the number of properties benefiting from these tax incentives has grown significantly - from just 306 properties in 2012-2013 to 3,716 in 2022-2023. This tenfold increase indicates a growing awareness of the importance of water conservation. However, despite this surge in numbers, the overall adoption of rainwater harvesting practices in the city remains relatively low.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers tax rebates of up to 10% for installing rainwater harvesting systems, as well as solar energy systems and vermicomposting units. Interestingly, installations of solar energy systems and vermicomposting have garnered a more enthusiastic response compared to rainwater harvesting. In 2012-2013, 23,173 properties qualified for tax discounts across all three categories, which increased to a substantial 111,213 by 2022-2023, reflecting a more significant overall commitment to sustainable practices.
The topic of water conservation, particularly rainwater harvesting, was recently highlighted during the state assembly's monsoon session, where local legislators voiced concerns about the persistent issue of water scarcity. In response, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised that new constructions must comply with regulations requiring the installation of rainwater harvesting systems. PMC's environment officer, Mangesh Dighe, reiterated the importance of these systems, stating they not only help store rainwater but also recharge groundwater supplies, which are crucial for the city-s sustainability efforts.
Since the PMC made rainwater harvesting mandatory for new construction projects in 2006, various initiatives have been launched to promote its implementation. The PMC has been proactive in installing these systems in civic buildings, including schools, hospitals, and the municipal headquarters. Currently, around 12.5 lakh properties in the civic area are liable for property tax, and approximately 2 lakh of these private properties have sufficient capacity to install rainwater harvesting systems. Expanding this figure could potentially reach 3 lakh if merged areas are included.
Public establishments, including commercial entities, educational institutions, and food joints, have also received specific guidelines from the PMC on water conservation. These entities are urged to adopt measures for recycling water and minimising waste, emphasising the need for regular maintenance of water tanks and pipes. Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC's water supply department, underscored that immediate actions to implement rainwater harvesting systems and improvements in infrastructure are essential to foster a culture of water conservation.
In addition to the initiatives by the PMC, the Metro rail project in Pune has also taken significant steps towards sustainable practices. Hemant Sonawane, executive director of Maha Metro, announced that rainwater harvesting systems will be integrated into all elevated Metro stations and at various administrative sites, further contributing to the city-s water conservation efforts.
As the awareness of water scarcity continues to grow, Pune stands at a crucial juncture. The increase in tax benefit claims indicates progress, but the overall adoption of rainwater harvesting still has room for improvement. By continuing to educate the public and enforce regulations surrounding water conservation, Pune can lead by example in addressing its water sustainability challenges and inspire other cities to do the same.
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