MMRDA to support local bodies for Rain Water Harvesting in MMR

By Pallavii Pitale

The town planning authority, MMRDA, is going all aggressive about its’ mass-oriented Rain Water Harvesting project in 8 municipal corporations and 9 municipal councils under its control and is extending full-fledged support to local bodies for taking policy measures for residential and commercial premises in the region to make it a success. Increasing grass patch in every inch of open space is the objective of MMRDA.

Earlier in 2002, the BMC had made it mandatory for the new buildings having a plot area of 1,000 square meters to have rainwater harvesting facility. By 2007, the same provision became mandatory to buildings having a plot area of 3,000 square meters and above and now it is 5,000 square meters. MMRDA now wants to ensure that the things are implemented strictly. According to MMRDA, once it is followed by the new structures, old societies will also follow the suite looking at the benefits derived out of it.

The Authority would take the project to all possible bodies through a Green Committee in order to motivate rain water harvesting. Instead of having cemented or tiled floors in the compounds or on open areas around the buildings, the authority has suggested an appropriate option of having such open spaces with grass and gardens that would enable the soil to conserve more water in the ground. Similarly, the footpaths and pavements too can be turned greener with grass instead of laying cement blocks and chequered tiles.

Such collective efforts can bring in long term positive results that would not only solve the water woes in the region but also shall increase the water table level resulting in abundant water supply. MMRDA is committed to cover every possible inch of open space to make Rain Water Harvesting efficient. The Maharashtra Chief Minister of Maharashtra has also approved of the plan and encouraged MMRDA to take such initiatives.

MMRDA has extended its support to local bodies, municipalities, municipal corporations, government, non-government bodies and Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in this initiative.