Rainwater Harvesting in Action: Top News & Developments Across Indian Cities

🏙️ Urban Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives

New Delhi (NDMC)

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has adopted modular pit technology for rainwater harvesting and flood management. These load-bearing structures, requiring minimal construction materials, allow dual-use of land for parking or parks and have a high void ratio ensuring 95% water storage capacity. The water collected is utilized for groundwater recharge, fountains, beautification projects, and maintaining green spaces across NDMC areas. As of now, NDMC has developed 272 RWH pits, including 105 modular ones, and plans to install more at 27 major waterlogging points to combat urban flooding. 

Hyderabad, Telangana

To address urban flooding, Hyderabad is introducing rainwater harvesting wells beneath roads, particularly under traffic islands and central medians in high-traffic areas. These wells, inspired by models from Barcelona and Tokyo, can hold 10 to 40 lakh liters of water and are designed to reduce rainwater stagnation on main roads. A pilot project will construct wells at 15 different locations, with plans to expand based on effectiveness. The Times of India

Raipur, Chhattisgarh

The Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) swiftly constructed over 900 rainwater pits in large residential colonies within two months during the last monsoon season. This community-driven initiative earned national recognition and will be showcased at the National Builders Conference as a model for urban water conservation.

Bengaluru, Karnataka

• Enforcement Measures: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) collected ₹2.7 crore in penalties in January 2025 from approximately 42,000 properties non-compliant with RWH regulations.

• Park Initiatives: United Way Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is installing 1,600 rainwater harvesting pits in 250 parks across the city under the 'One Billion Drops' project. This initiative aims to improve groundwater levels and water security.

Following severe water scarcity during the summer, housing societies in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are increasingly adopting rainwater harvesting systems. Currently, only 20-25% of the 22,500 housing societies and 15,000 apartments have RWH systems. Efforts are underway to increase this percentage, with societies conducting discussions with consultants for installing rooftop harvesting plans. 

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

The Noida Authority has mandated that all property owners with plots of 300 sqm or larger must clean and restore rainwater harvesting systems by March 31, 2025. Starting April 1, 2025, officials will begin on-site inspections and impose penalties for non-compliance. Buildings without RWH systems will not receive necessary approvals or occupancy certificates.