Vijay during the unveiling of the “Thuli” logo for rainwater harvesting awareness programme, in Chennai
RWH as a policy was initiated in TN in 2002 by then chief minister J Jayalalithaa . The official said groundwater levels in 476 of the 1,202 firkas (revenue subdivisions) were found to be comfortable. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in Chennai Stay updated with the latest Chennai news.
“Municipal administration department will issue guidelines for urban areas in a couple of days,” the official said. Chennai: Tamil Nadu govt has ordered a statewide rainwater harvesting (RWH) campaign, seeking to turn water conservation into a mass movement. The initiative will focus on reviving existing structures and creating new facilities to strengthen groundwater recharge. An order issued by the municipal administration and water supply department has called for stricter enforcement of RWH under building regulations. Rooftop rainwater harvesting should be promoted in houses, apartment complexes, institutions, commercial establishments and industries, including existing buildings where such facilities are absent. Interventions include constructing check dams near water-tapping points and building soak pits at open water-drawing sites to help rainwater percolate into the ground. Authorities will inspect RWH structures in buildings. Systems that are damaged or non-functional will have to be repaired and restored. Existing structures may be rejuvenated or retrofitted wherever technically possible. All buildings were mandated to have harvesting structures, but in due course many became dysfunctional. Given the state’s water deficit and lack of perennial rivers, local bodies have been directed to maintain records of existing, repaired and newly created water-conservation structures, supported by photographs, geo-tagging and digital reporting. District administrations will periodically review the performance of local bodies and track changes in groundwater levels. Officials have been asked to give special attention to over-exploited and critical groundwater blocks, as well as the problem of salinity. Govt has directed authorities to make RWH a part of new urban and rural water supply schemes wherever technically feasible. The rural development department recently issued guidelines to restore water bodies through private participation. Best-performing districts, local bodies, NGOs, institutions and residents’ welfare associations will be awarded. Download the TOI App.