Coimbatore corporatio to recognise, certify best rainwater harvesting systems

Coimbatore: To improve and stabilize groundwater table, various measures are being taken across the city and rural areas. In one such initiative, the civic body, in collaboration with the district administration, has decided to recognize and certify the best rainwater harvesting systems in the city limits. The civic body has invited various builders' associations, residential welfare associations and institutions to apply for the certification.

The city corporation had earlier launched a survey for assessing each property for the type of rainwater harvesting system and its working condition, while geo tagging the same with the help of a mobile application.

The ward-wise, door-to-door survey is nearing completion in ward 71 at RS Puram, where it was launched for the first time. Other wards will be covered in a phased manner.

While commenting on the data collected so far, corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabhakaran said, "Nearly 10% of the properties, especially households, lack rainwater harvesting systems at RS Puram. Others are mostly into recharging the groundwater. Only a very few have surface level collection systems. Our goal is to encourage people across the city to come up with sustainable living plans."

According to him, the survey would cover corporation buildings as well. "As per the govt norms, replenishing groundwater is more than sufficient. However, many commercial establishments, institutions and industries consume more water. Hence, they will be mandated to develop a surface-level collection system. This way, they could reuse the water, while decreasing the quantity of water being drawn from underground."

Pointing out that 90% of the survey has been completed in ward 71, he said 4,419 properties have been assessed so far. "At least 3,754 rainwater harvesting systems in the ward are in good condition. At 64 houses, rainwater harvesting systems are under construction. Only 472 houses are yet to set up a rainwater harvesting system."

The civic body is also in the process of enhancing groundwater recharge systems through borewells. A survey is being carried out to identify the active and defunct borewells. The defunct ones would be turned into rainwater recharge systems, another official said.