Top News on Rainwater Harvesting: Government Actions, Smart City Projects & Success Stories

1. Bengaluru Enforces Rainwater Harvesting Compliance

In January 2025, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) collected ₹2.7 crore in penalties from approximately 42,000 properties that failed to install mandated rainwater harvesting systems. While 83% of required buildings have complied, inspections are intensifying to ensure full adherence. Notably, BWSSB has implemented rainwater harvesting systems at 3,000 public locations, including schools and parks, serving as demonstration projects to inspire wider adoption.

2. NDMC Implements Modular Pit Technology in Delhi

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has adopted modular pit technology for rainwater harvesting and flood management. These eco-friendly pits, constructed using polypropylene modules wrapped in geo-textile, allow dual land use and have a high water storage capacity. As of March 2025, NDMC has developed 272 rainwater harvesting pits, including 105 modular ones, and plans to install more at 27 identified waterlogging points across the city. 

3. Raipur's Rapid Rainwater Harvesting Initiative

The Raipur Municipal Corporation swiftly constructed over 900 rainwater harvesting pits in large residential colonies within two months during the last monsoon season. This community-driven effort has been recognized nationally and will be showcased at the upcoming National Builders Conference as a model for urban water conservation.

4. Kattakada's Jal Samriddhi Project in Kerala

In Kerala's Kattakada constituency, a rainwater harvesting initiative under the Jal Samriddhi project was launched to combat water scarcity. The campaign focuses on constructing rain pits in various locations, aiming to collect up to 2 million litres of rainwater over 100 rainy days annually. Community groups, including Kudumbashree members and students, are actively participating in this effort. 

5. United Way's 'One Billion Drops' Project in Bengaluru

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. This initiative, part of the 'One Billion Drops' project, aims to improve groundwater levels and water security by encouraging rainwater percolation and aquifer recharge. So far, 634 pits have been installed, with plans to add another 2,000 by March 2025.

6. Rajasthan Mandates Rainwater Harvesting for New Buildings

The Rajasthan government has made rainwater harvesting systems mandatory for all new residential and commercial buildings. According to the August 2024 notification, the Public Health Engineering Department will not provide water connections to non-compliant structures, and legal action may be taken against violators. This move aims to improve groundwater levels in the arid state. 

7. Noida Authority Enforces Rainwater Harvesting Norms

The Noida Authority has announced strict enforcement of rainwater harvesting regulations. Starting April 1, 2025, officials will conduct on-site inspections, and buildings without functional rainwater harvesting systems may face penalties, including cancellation of plot allotments. Property owners are instructed to clean and restore their systems by March 31, 2025. 

8. Hyderabad's 'Prathi Intlo Inkudu Guntha' Campaign

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) is launching a special drive from October 2, 2024, to enforce the construction of rainwater harvesting pits in all houses with an area of 300 square meters and above. Defaulters will be charged double for each water tanker delivery starting January 2025. 

9. Khadria Masjid's Rainwater Harvesting Project in Bengaluru

The Khadria Masjid in Bengaluru has implemented a comprehensive rainwater harvesting project to reduce dependency on Cauvery water and boost groundwater levels. The initiative includes community awareness programs, upgrades to water distribution systems, and promotion of water-saving devices and landscaping practices.

10. Andhra Pradesh Receives ₹3,551 Crore for Rainwater Harvesting

The central government has released ₹3,551 crore to Andhra Pradesh under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan over the past three years for rainwater harvesting initiatives. Additionally, 196 projects have been approved under Amrut 2.0, and ₹137 crore has been allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchavi Yojana for various water conservation works completed in 2024.