Page 37 - Water Every Drop Counts

CHECK DAMS : SMALL IN SIZE, BIG IN EFFECTIVENESS

Built across minor water channels,
the advantages of check dams
are that they store surface water
for use both during and after
rains. Percolation recharges
underground aquifers which helps
in raising the water table in the
area.

Availability of water enhances
income from agricultural
operations by allowing multi-
cropping and enhancing yields.
Many check dams tend to form
stream pools and hence can also
be useful for pisciculture.

Many states in India have undertaken major programs to build check dams in large numbers for
easing water availability.

RAIN WATER HARVESTING : BEGINNING TO MAKE INROADS

A large number of states and cities across India have made provisions in their building by laws to
promote Rain Water Harvesting. A few examples :

HIMACHAL PRADESH AHMEDABAD
All commercial and institutional Rainwater harvesting made
buildings, tourist and industrial mandatory for all buildings of
complexes, hotels etc, having a over 1,500 m covered area one
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plinth area of more than 1000 m percolation well is mandatory to
will have rain water storage facilities ensure ground water recharge. For
commensurate with the size of roof every additional 4,000 m another
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area. well needs to be built.
BANGALORE CHENNAI
All buildings, constructed in the city Rainwater harvesting has been
need to compulsorily adopt rain made mandatory in three storied
water harvesting facility. Residential buildings (irrespective of the
sites, which exceed an area of size of the rooftop area). All new
2400 ft shall create rain harvesting water and sewer connections are
2
facility according to the new law. provided only after the installation
of rainwater harvesting systems.
INDORE HARYANA
Rainwater harvesting has been Rainwater harvesting is now
made mandatory in all new buildings mandatory in all new buildings
with an area of 250 m or more. irrespective of roof area.
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A rebate of 6 per cent on property tax In the notified areas in Gurgaon
has been offered as an incentive for town and the adjoining industrial
implementing rainwater harvesting areas all institutions/residential
systems. colonies need to adopt water
harvesting. Drilling of tubewells in
banned notified areas.

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