Centre sponsored rainwater harvesting scheme launched in Coimbatore

Work on the Rs1 crore Centrally-sponsored rainwater harvesting scheme began across Coimbatore today.

In the first phase, 215 rainwater harvesting pits would be dug at identified places, which would be completed by March 31 next year,  said Subbaraj, scientist, Central government Water Board, Union ministry of water sources, who handed over the cheque to Siruthuli, an NGO engaged in recharging ground water sources,  at a function.

He said due to the initiative taken by organisations like Siruthuli and the government departments,  the ground water level in and around Coimbatore district has gone up.

Siruthuli executive director, Vanitha Mohan said it has plans to plant two lakh saplings across the city, to preserve water sources. District collector P Umanath, corporation commissioner, Ansul Mishra and mayor, R Venkatachalam were among those who participated in the function.