Rainwater Harvesting Updates: Key Policies, Community Efforts & Impact Stories (2025)

🏛️ Policy Developments

Rajasthan

The state mandated RWH systems for all new residential and commercial buildings. Non-compliance results in denial of water connections, aiming to bolster groundwater levels. 

Kerala

Under the Jal Samriddhi project, Kattakada constituency launched a campaign to construct rain pits in various locations, including house yards and public spaces. Each pit can store 200 liters of rainwater, contributing to improved groundwater availability. 

👥 Community Initiatives

Jal Sahelis – Bundelkhand

A collective of around 1,000 women across 200 villages in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the Jal Sahelis have been instrumental in reviving dry water bodies, leading to enhanced agricultural productivity and reduced water scarcity. 

Hiware Bazar, Maharashtra

Once drought-prone, this village transformed through water conservation efforts, including RWH. By 2010, the average income increased twenty-fold, and only three families remained below the poverty line.

Siruthuli – Coimbatore

An NGO focused on rejuvenating water sources, Siruthuli has been active in rainwater harvesting, desilting ponds, and raising groundwater levels, contributing to environmental conservation in the region. 

🏙️ Urban Success Stories

Raipur, Chhattisgarh

The Raipur Municipal Corporation constructed over 900 rainwater pits in large residential colonies within two months during the last monsoon, earning national recognition for community-driven water conservation.

Pune, Maharashtra

Following severe water shortages, housing societies in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are increasingly adopting RWH systems. Societies like Ganesh Residency have reported significant savings and reduced dependence on water tankers. 

Delhi – Savda Ghevra

Residents of this resettlement colony constructed a RWH system at the Basti Vikas Kendra community center, capturing 8,000 liters of rainwater, with overflow directed to groundwater recharge areas. The initiative has been replicated at five other locations.