From Bengaluru to Noida: Rainwater Harvesting Drives Urban Water Conservation

🌧️ Bengaluru: Advancing Rainwater Harvesting Amidst Challenges

Bengaluru, often referred to as India's "Silicon Valley," faces significant water challenges due to rapid urbanization and declining groundwater levels. In response, the city has undertaken several RWH initiatives:Reuters

• Park-Based Percolation Pits: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru, is constructing 1,600 rainwater harvesting pits across 250 parks. This effort aims to improve groundwater levels and water security. The New Indian Express

• High-Density Corridor Projects: BBMP plans to install RWH pits every 15 meters along 85 kilometers of high-density corridors to optimize rainwater utilization. The Times of India

• Compliance and Penalties: Despite mandates, only about 20% of homes have installed RWH systems. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) collected ₹2.7 crore in penalties in January 2025 from non-compliant properties.

• Incentivizing Adoption: BWSSB is considering a "green star" rating system to encourage effective RWH implementation in apartments and commercial establishments. The Hindu

🌧️ Noida: Enforcement and Maintenance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Noida has implemented strict regulations to ensure the adoption and maintenance of RWH systems:

• Mandatory Installation: Under the Noida Building Regulations, 2010, RWH systems are compulsory for all plots larger than 300 square meters. Buildings without these systems are denied necessary approvals or occupancy certificates. Hindustan Times+1The Times of India+1

• Maintenance Issues: Inspections revealed that many RWH systems become non-functional post-approval due to lack of maintenance. Approximately 90% of condominiums have broken RWH systems. The Times of India

• Enforcement Actions: The Noida Authority has issued notices to property owners to restore RWH systems by March 31, 2025, with inspections and penalties commencing from April 1. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of plot allotments. The Times of India+1Hindustan Times+1

• Greater Noida West: Similar issues persist, with many societies having choked or non-maintained RWH pits. Around 30 establishments have been served notices to rectify the systems. Hindustan Times

🔍 Comparative Overview