Open house: How can the MC ensure effective implementation of rainwater harvesting?

Check installed units & their working

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for reuse before it reaches the ground. This method is used to capture runoff from rooftops, driveways and other surfaces, and storing it for various purposes like irrigation, drinking or household use.

The process typically involves the following steps:

Collection: Rain falls on surfaces like roofs, where it is directed into gutters and downspouts.

Storage: The collected water is then channelled into storage tanks or cisterns.

Filtration: Some systems include filters to remove debris and contaminants.

Utilisation: The stored rainwater can be used for watering gardens, flushing toilets, washing cars, or, with proper treatment, for drinking.

Rainwater harvesting is beneficial for conserving water, reducing runoff and flooding, and providing a sustainable water source in areas with limited freshwater resources.

The Municipal Corporation must strictly implement the installation of harvesting systems, check the installed units and their working periodically and impose hefty fines for those not complying. This small gesture will go a long way in conservation and utilisation of very precious element - Water, whose scarcity is looming large on us! Dr Raman Gupta

Integrate awareness, incentives, enforcement

Rainwater harvesting, mandated by the Amritsar Municipal Corporation, holds immense potential to address the city's water stress. Yet, its poor implementation reflects a gap between policy intention and administrative execution. To institutionalise rainwater harvesting effectively, the Municipal Corporation must shift from tokenism to tangible enforcement. Completion certificates for new constructions should be strictly conditional upon verified rainwater harvesting system installation. The current security deposit mechanism needs strengthening through random audits and digital compliance tracking. Equally vital is behavioural transformation. The Municipal Corporation should launch city-wide outreach campaigns highlighting the ecological and economic benefits of rainwater harvesting, such as enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced urban flooding and long-term water security. Involving Residents' Welfare Associations, schools and civil society can generate community ownership. To incentivise compliance, property tax rebates or water bill concessions can be offered for timely and efficient rainwater harvesting system implementation. For older buildings, the civic body should introduce technical and financial assistance for retrofitting. By integrating enforcement, incentives and education, the Municipal Corporation can ensure that rainwater harvesting evolves from a symbolic mandate into a mainstream urban water conservation norm, securing Amritsar's hydrological future. Preetpal Singh Chhina

Water conservation practices needed

Awareness campaigns at the community and school levels should be organised to apprise stakeholders about water scarcity and the importance of conservation practices. In addition to raising awareness, mandatory water conservation measures must be enforced to help replenish groundwater levels. Authorities should take the following steps to improve groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting:

Educational institutions, hospitals, banks, hotels and malls must implement rainwater harvesting systems.

Every locality should install an adequate number of rainwater harvesting wells, with quantities determined based on the area's size.

Areas on both sides of roads should be developed as green belts to minimise runoff.

Residents should be encouraged to maintain kutcha or green areas and install rainwater borewells to facilitate groundwater recharge.

Adopting these practices will help in promoting sustainable water management. Vijay Laxmi

Without enforcement, action meaningless

The ongoing water crisis in parts of Punjab and Delhi is a wake-up call. Mandating rainwater harvesting is a step in the right direction, but without enforcement, it's meaningless. The Amritsar Municipal Corporation must link the return of security deposits to verified installation and functionality of the systems. Final building occupancy certificates should be withheld until compliance is confirmed. Tamil Nadu's successful enforcement model and the legal backing of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, offer clear guidance. Amid depleting groundwater levels and erratic monsoons, ignored systems are lost opportunities. The civic body should launch awareness drives, offer rebates on property tax for compliant buildings and penalise the defaulters. Government schools and offices can be made demonstration sites. Residents must also realise that storing rainwater isn't charity - it's survival. The water crisis will only worsen unless we act collectively, and rainwater harvesting is a local solution with a national impact. Jaspreet Singh

Implementation a distant cry

Water management efforts have become increasingly important in the region, especially in the holy city, in order to combat water scarcity and reliance on groundwater. Rainwater harvesting is one of the sustainable steps which involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use and also for replenishing groundwater. Though the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has mandated rainwater harvesting but its implementation in letter and spirit is a distant cry. The Municipal Corporation should ensure its implementation by levying hefty fines against the offenders. Vijay Bhatti

Offer incentives to encourage residents

Reducing reliance on traditional water sources is need of the hour. It is the moral duty and responsibility of the Municipal Corporation and city residents to promote and adopt rainwater harvesting systems for purposes such as watering plants, washing and irrigation. The Municipal Corporation must actively raise public awareness through dedicated campaigns and offer subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of rainwater harvesting systems in the holy city. Furthermore, the Municipal Corporation is required to comply with the water management guidelines outlined in key Acts, like The Compulsory Rainwater Harvesting in Government Establishments and Schools Act, 2019, The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. MK Sharma

Ensure on-ground verification

The Amritsar Municipal Corporation’s decision to mandate rainwater harvesting is a timely and necessary move, especially in the face of Punjab’s rapidly declining groundwater levels. However, the gap between policy and execution remains wide. While the MC collects security deposits for rainwater harvesting systems at the time of building plan approval, it rarely follows through with inspections to ensure that these systems are actually installed. As a result, many residents either delay or completely skip the process, treating it as a mere formality. To ensure the mandate is implemented meaningfully, the Corporation must shift from paperwork compliance to on-ground verification. Building completion certificates should be linked to the physical presence and functionality of a rainwater harvesting system. Moreover, instead of viewing enforcement purely through the lens of penalties, the MC should cultivate a sense of responsibility among citizens by creating awareness about the environmental and financial benefits of water conservation. Public outreach campaigns, especially in schools, community centres and through resident welfare associations, can foster a culture of accountability and sustainability. At the same time, the civic body must lead by example, installing fully functional rainwater harvesting units in all government buildings, parks and public spaces. Making technical help easily available to residents and simplifying installation guidelines can further encourage compliance. Param Kaur

Penalties beyond deposit forfeiture

Simply collecting deposits achieves little. The Municipal Corporation must make the refund of these deposits strictly contingent upon a physical inspection confirming the rain harvesting system is installed and functional according to approved plans. This requires establishing a dedicated verification cell within the Corporation, equipped and trained to conduct timely inspections. Technology can aid this process, requiring installation photos, videos or even GPS tagging of systems. Crucially, persistent non-compliance must face significant penalties beyond deposit forfeiture, such as substantial fines or water connection surcharges, acting as a real deterrent. Harbhajan Singh Brar

Collaborate with experts & NGOs

The Amritsar Municipal Corporation should take several steps to ensure proper implementation of rainwater harvesting. Firstly, it should conduct regular inspections of buildings to verify the installation and functioning of rainwater harvesting systems. The civic body should also provide clear guidelines and technical specifications for the installation of these systems. Offering incentives, such as rebates on property taxes or water bills, could encourage residents and builders to install and maintain rainwater harvesting systems. Public awareness campaigns would also be beneficial in educating residents about the benefits of rainwater harvesting and the importance of water conservation. The Municipal Corporation should impose penalties on builders and residents who fail to install or maintain rainwater harvesting systems. Establishing a monitoring mechanism would help track the installation and maintenance of these systems. Collaboration with experts, NGOs and other stakeholders could also promote rainwater harvesting and provide technical support. By taking these steps, the civic body can ensure that the rainwater harvesting mandate is implemented effectively which would promote water conservation and sustainability in Amritsar. This would not only help conserve water but also reduce the burden on the city's water supply system. Jagwant Singh

Launch comprehensive awareness campaign

I am writing to express my concern over the lack of awareness about rainwater harvesting in our city. Despite the Amritsar Municipal Corporation's mandate to install rainwater harvesting systems, many residents are still unaware of the benefits of this practice. Rainwater harvesting is a simple and effective way to conserve water, reduce the burden on our city's water supply system and mitigate the impact of droughts. However, without proper awareness and education, many residents may not understand the importance of implementing this practice. I urge the authorities to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate residents about the benefits of rainwater harvesting. This could include workshops, seminars, and public outreach programs. By working together, we can promote water conservation and ensure a sustainable future for our city. Rajan Singh