Tracking India’s Water Solutions: Rainwater Harvesting Projects Making Headlines

🏙️ 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.

Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru, is undertaking the construction of 1,600 rainwater harvesting pits across 250 parks in the city. This initiative, part of the 'One Billion Drops' project, aims to improve groundwater levels and water security. Since 2021, over 2,600 underground pits have been set up in 178 BBMP parks. Additionally, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has collected ₹2.7 crore in penalties in January 2025 from properties non-compliant with RWH mandates. BWSSB has also implemented RWH systems at 3,000 locations, including schools and parks, serving as demonstration projects to inspire broader adoption. 

Raipur, Chhattisgarh

The Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) 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 was showcased at the National Builders Conference as a model for urban water conservation.

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Resident Welfare Associations (APFERWAS) launched an ambitious rainwater harvesting plan, urging its 150 member RWAs to construct at least five RWH pits each. This initiative aims to build approximately 750 pits, enhancing water conservation efforts across the city. 

🌾 Rural Rainwater Harvesting Efforts

Kattakada, Kerala

Under the 'Jal Samriddhi' project, the Kattakada assembly constituency initiated a campaign to construct rain pits in house yards, public spaces, and farmlands. Each pit can store 200 liters of rainwater, and with 100 pits, up to 20,000 liters can be collected, significantly improving groundwater levels in the region.