Rainwater harvesting a must for new buildings, BMC proposes

According to the excluded part of the Development Plan (DP) 2034, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has proposed that rain water harvesting should be made mandatory for the new buildings. The move is aimed at mitigating the acute water crisis in the state.

The state government has sought objections and suggestions from the citizens for the excluded plan (Schedule B) of the DP 2034. The last date for filing objections and suggestions has been set as June 23.

The aforementioned proposal entails a mandatory rain water harvesting apparatus for properties being developed or redeveloped on plots having an area of 500 square feet and more. The owners have the option to set up either one or two apparatus depending upon the needs of the building. Additionally, the onus of maintenance is on the owners.

The civic body has also decided to levy a fine if the buildings fail to provide a rain water harvesting apparatus, with the amount being at least Rs 1000 per square metre annually. If a building is being constructed over 1000 sq feet plots, the BMC will impose Rs 10 lakh for a year.

SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION OF WATER

• Rainwater Harvesting is being discussed in the city for a long time
   
• In 2002, the BMC had made it mandatory for all new constructions above 1,000 square metres to install rainwater harvesting system to obtain their occupation certificate (OC)
   
• In 2007, this rule was extended to buildings over 300 square metres
   
• With faulty method to enforce the law, the move fell flat on its face