we depend on rain water reapers As an important measure to ensure some supply during recessionary months.
But there are a few points we need to keep in mind with regard to rainwater harvesting, which is essentially the re-use of water that is received during the monsoon.
Harvesting requires elaborate technical systems to collect, filter, lift and distribute. And there is one main caveat: it is beneficial for small-scale use and will help housing societies save on a few tankers. Ideally, this isn’t (and shouldn’t be) a long-term solution.
On the other hand, we continue to lose large amounts Rain It goes missing in our drains, which is due to high level of construction and concreting of roads. This is the problem we need to address
Our government agencies could create regulations to mandate groundwater recharging near large infrastructure. Imagine a specific number of potholes for every few kilometers of concrete road. Such roads have been built all over Pune. If properly maintained, these ditches can collect the rainwater that these roads reject. Many parts of our highways and cities can also become “recharge roads”.
in a number from years ago popular mechanics, I read about drums with many holes, which were filled with stones and then buried in the ground. These drums will allow water to seep into the ground. Similar techniques can be used on our concrete roads. Of course, technology has progressed since that issue of Popular Mechanics, but the idea remains: dig holes at regular intervals to ensure the city’s water level rises.
Water level is something on which we need to focus our full attention. It is the only thing that matters in a city that is growing at an alarming rate, where tanker bills are now a major part of the monthly maintenance.
– The writer is retired Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Geography National Defense Academy
But there are a few points we need to keep in mind with regard to rainwater harvesting, which is essentially the re-use of water that is received during the monsoon.
Harvesting requires elaborate technical systems to collect, filter, lift and distribute. And there is one main caveat: it is beneficial for small-scale use and will help housing societies save on a few tankers. Ideally, this isn’t (and shouldn’t be) a long-term solution.
On the other hand, we continue to lose large amounts Rain It goes missing in our drains, which is due to high level of construction and concreting of roads. This is the problem we need to address
Our government agencies could create regulations to mandate groundwater recharging near large infrastructure. Imagine a specific number of potholes for every few kilometers of concrete road. Such roads have been built all over Pune. If properly maintained, these ditches can collect the rainwater that these roads reject. Many parts of our highways and cities can also become “recharge roads”.
in a number from years ago popular mechanics, I read about drums with many holes, which were filled with stones and then buried in the ground. These drums will allow water to seep into the ground. Similar techniques can be used on our concrete roads. Of course, technology has progressed since that issue of Popular Mechanics, but the idea remains: dig holes at regular intervals to ensure the city’s water level rises.
Water level is something on which we need to focus our full attention. It is the only thing that matters in a city that is growing at an alarming rate, where tanker bills are now a major part of the monthly maintenance.
– The writer is retired Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Geography National Defense Academy