No Building Certificate Without Rainwater Harvesting: Delhi Government’s New Directive

UV INDIA NEWS: New Delhi: The Delhi government has mandated that buildings on plots more significant than 100 square meters must have rainwater harvesting systems installed; otherwise, building completion certificates will not be issued. This move is part of the government's strategy to address the city's water scarcity and promote sustainable water management practices.

Key Highlights:

• Mandatory Rainwater Harvesting: The directive applies to new buildings and those undergoing major renovations. Buildings that fail to implement rainwater harvesting will not receive the necessary occupancy or completion certificates from the Urban Development Department.
• Current Water Demand: Delhi's current water demand stands at 1,150 million gallons per day (MGD), but the city's supply falls short by about 300 MGD. Implementing rainwater harvesting is expected to alleviate some of this pressure by increasing groundwater levels and making more water available for daily use.
• Potential Impact: If implemented correctly, the initiative could save up to 6 lakh litres of water annually. In a city with around 3,687 schools and numerous other institutions, adopting rainwater harvesting can contribute significantly to meeting water needs.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting:

• Water Conservation: By capturing and reusing rainwater, buildings can significantly reduce their dependence on the municipal water supply, especially during the dry season.
• Groundwater Recharge: The collected rainwater can help replenish groundwater levels, which have been depleting rapidly in many parts of Delhi due to over-extraction.
• Environmental Impact: This initiative supports sustainable urban development and aligns with broader environmental goals to reduce water wastage and promote responsible resource management.

Government Action and Compliance:

• Guidelines and Monitoring: The Delhi government will provide guidelines for setting up rainwater harvesting systems and will monitor compliance through inspections. Existing buildings will also be encouraged to retrofit their properties with harvesting systems to comply with the new regulations.
• Strict Enforcement: Buildings without these systems will face strict consequences, including denial of essential certifications required for legal occupancy. The government aims to enforce these measures through integrated management cells, which will oversee the implementation process.

Summary of the Meeting:

• The Integrated Management Cell of the Urban Development Department emphasised the importance of water conservation in its recent meeting. It directed relevant authorities to ensure compliance with rainwater harvesting mandates and issued instructions for effective monitoring.

This policy aims to make rainwater harvesting a standard practice in urban development, ensuring that every drop of rainwater is used efficiently to address Delhi's growing water challenges. The move is a step towards a more sustainable future, encouraging residents and developers to participate actively in water conservation efforts.