Govt asks DJB to prepare report on rain water harvesting systems

NEW DELHI: Delhi Water Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam has asked the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to prepare a detailed report on the status of rain water harvesting structures in government buildings in the national Capital, to be submitted to the National Green Tribunal.

Gautam also called for a meeting on Saturday with senior officials and chairperson of DJB, to ensure proper installation of the rain water harvesting systems.

The tribunal had on Thursday directed the Delhi government and other agencies to submit status report on whether government buildings, bridges, and flyovers have installed rain water harvesting systems and whether they are functional.

"We will ensure rain water harvesting in every government building and respond to NGT with a proper plan," said Gautam.

The Minister also said that rainwater harvesting is the best way to combat the water crisis in Delhi. "Delhi is suffering from a huge water crisis, as the ground water level has reduced significantly in the last few years," he said.

Talking to Millennium Post, Gautam said, "I have found out that people mostly do not install rain water harvesting systems because they are not sure about how to do services in future and how to maintain the systems."

The Minister will direct DJB officials to select some companies and to register them to the board, which will provide services of for maintenance of rain water harvesting structures.

"People will know that these are the few companies which are approved by the Board. This will help us to rationalise the cost of service," added the minister.

DJB has already started penalising owners of the building, more than 500 square feet area, which do not have rain water harvesting structures.

The Board also informed that by the end of the year it will ensure most such houses install the structures.

Moreover, the Water department of the Delhi government has decided that it will not allow DJB water connection to government buildings that do not have rainwater harvesting structures.