India will be one of the worst affected countries by climate change, cautions various studies. Though the Government of India and the private sector have been doing their bit to arrest and reverse environmental degradation and climate change, rapid urbanization and industrialization are somehow neutralizing the effects of the efforts.
80 percent of the rainfall in India happens due to the monsoon effect. June, July, and August see heavy to very heavy rainfall across most parts of the country. However, during the other months, most places suffer a shortage of water supply. 22 out of 32 major cities in India continuously suffer from the water crisis, says a study. The situation is no better in other areas also. A few years ago local residents in a popular tourist place urged tourists not to come to their city due to the water crisis. This is a serious matter for a place that is heavily dependent on tourism for its economic sustenance.
The focus is on rainwater harvesting
Storing and conserving rainwater is one of the most effective means of solving the water crisis. Sensing the urgent need to conserve water, many state governments are realizing the urgent need for rainwater harvesting and pushing policies for rainwater conservation. The main focus is on provisions for roof-top water collection systems and infrastructure to carry this water to recharge groundwater and replenish water bodies.
Himachal Pradesh, home to perennial river sources but facing a water crisis over the past few years, has started to invest in rainwater harvesting techniques. The state recently inaugurated its first multipurpose rainwater harvesting dam. Apart from recharging the groundwater, it will help to irrigate 233 hectares and combat weather changes in the surrounding villages.
Uttar Pradesh is another state that is planning to go big with rainwater harvesting. With the purpose to harvest rooftop rainwater, the government has decided to form water committees and ensure the conservation of water by constructing rainwater harvesting pits on a war footing in all villages. The govt is also planning to create a Greenfield township based on the Vedic theme in Ayodhya. It will have a master plan for the implementation of the rainwater harvesting mechanism, where all govt buildings will have rooftop rainwater harvesting systems.
States like Karnataka, Delhi, Rajasthan, and more have also started steps to emphasize the benefits of rainwater harvesting.
However real success cannot be achieved without the participation of all residents. Spreading awareness regarding rainwater harvesting, and the role of the general public in solving the water crisis should be an important aspect of urban administration. It can start by installing a state-of-the-art AquaStar uPVC rooftop rainwater harvesting system in the home. Using the latest technology, AquaStar RWH system & products are changing the way rainwater is harvested in India. Visit www.aquarain.in to explore more.