Rainwater harvesting system a mirage in Kaithal district

Satish Seth 

Kaithal, July 3

Despite fast depletion of groundwater levels, the concept of rainwater harvesting is yet to catch up in the state.

The government has been repeatedly urging its departments and private institutions to instal the system on their premises, but there seems to be little impact on them.

Sources said the rainwater harvesting systems installed on the premises of some of the government buildings were non-functional. Moreover, people were not aware of the importance of the practice.

The Mini-Secretariat, the Districts Judicial Complex,   the Irrigation Department office and the Police Lines   were spread over huge areas, but these were yet to instal the system despite repeated directives by the government, they added.

During a visit to Rajiv Gandhi Vidyut Sadan at Nav Grah Chowk here, it came to light that although the rainwater harvesting system had been installed a few years ago, it was non-functional  for long. The water channel   constructed to   carry rainwater to the  pipes laid in the ground   were choked and were in a dilapidated    condition. Staff members said the system worked only in the first year of its installation and had been lying choked since then.

Superintending Engineer (SE)   BS Ranga feigned ignorance about the issue. However, he said he would look into the issue and ensure that this system was made functional   soon.

According to information,   the Irrigation Department had been    entrusted with the task installing   rainwater harvesting systems in the district. RS Mittal, SE, Irrigation Department,   said   five systems were installed in the district a few years. However, they were non-functional now as the departments concerned failed to ensure their timely maintenance.

Ten more systems had been sanctioned six months ago, but the sites of their installation were yet to be decided. He said the systems would be installed around canals or   low-lying areas, where water got accumulated during heavy rain.