Subject: Indian Geography

Answer:

India's groundwater crisis has reached alarming levels with 89% of groundwater extraction being used for irrigation purposes. Water harvesting systems, particularly in urban areas, present a sustainable solution to address the growing water scarcity and depleting groundwater levels. The urban areas, with their large impervious surfaces and high population density, offer unique opportunities for implementing effective water harvesting systems.

Key Components of Urban Water Harvesting

• Rooftop Harvesting Systems: Implementation of mandatory rooftop rainwater harvesting in buildings above certain size (e.g., Delhi's policy requiring RWH for plots above 100 sq meters).
• Surface Runoff Collection: Development of collection systems along roads, parking lots, and other paved surfaces to capture and store rainwater.
• Urban Water Bodies: Restoration and protection of existing water bodies through initiatives like Mission Kakatiya for enhanced water storage capacity.

Making Water Harvesting Effective in Urban Areas

• Policy Framework:

  • Implementation of stringent building bylaws making rainwater harvesting mandatory.
  • Integration with AMRUT 2.0 guidelines for sustainable water management.
  • Incentivization through property tax rebates and water bill reductions.

• Technical Solutions:

  • Installation of modern filtration systems to ensure water quality.
  • Creation of underground storage tanks and recharge wells.
  • Integration with storm water drainage systems.

• Community Engagement:

  • Public awareness campaigns under Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
  • Capacity building of resident welfare associations.
  • Regular maintenance and monitoring systems.

Implementation Strategy

• Government Support:

  • Allocation of funds through 15th Finance Commission tied grants.
  • Technical assistance through urban local bodies.
  • Integration with existing schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana.

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Regular assessment of groundwater levels.
  • Quality checks of harvested water.
  • Performance evaluation of implemented systems.

The success of urban water harvesting systems lies in the convergence of policy measures, technical solutions, and community participation. Through initiatives like Namami Gange and systematic implementation of water harvesting structures, cities can effectively manage their water resources while ensuring groundwater sustainability for future generations.