Install RWH by year end or face the music

Water supply and sewerage board may disconnect water and sanitary connections to properties that fail to oblige to the directive

Install RWH by year end or face the music

Water supply and sewerage board may disconnect water and sanitary connections to properties that fail to oblige to the directive

ALTHOUGH the rain wreaked havoc in several parts of the city last week, residents failed to capitalise on the unexpected downpour.

Thus, to ensure that people start valuing rainwater and begin accumulating it for reuse, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has extended its compulsory installation of rainwater harvesting systems order at homes and buildings to December 31.

Several parts of the city witnessed heavy showersu00a0 last week

Therefore, according to the new directive, all the existing buildings residential, commercial and industrial with an area of 2,400 sq ft and above should have RWH systems installed by the year end.

"If the residents fail to oblige to the directive, then BWSSB may disconnect water and sanitary connections to such properties. However, if the building owner complies with the rule, the connection will be restored," said Urban Development Minister S Suresh Kumar.

The BWSSB has plans to install RWH units for those who do not adopt it before the said deadline and collect the amount through their monthly water bills. However, for all new buildings constructed on sites measuring 1,200 sq ft and above, RWH is compulsory and should be incorporated in the building plan itself.

The BWSSB has asked BBMP to grant a two per cent rebate on property tax for those who adopt RWH system at their homes. Besides, the water supply and sewerage board has planned to get loans at attractive rates of interest for those who need financial assistance to install the units.

An amendment to the BWSSB Act seeking disconnection for non-compliance has been approved in principle and in about a week's time, a notification will be issued. The decision was taken at a meeting of BWSSB officials and Kumar.

58,000
Approximate number of buildings in the city that should have Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) system

25,000
Approximate number of buildings that have RWH system in place

Did you know?
The BWSSB has asked the civic body to grant a 2% rebate on property tax for those who adopt RWH system at their homes

Deadlines
Following an amendment to the BWSSB (Amendment) Bill 2009, rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory in the city. Even though May 27, 2010 was the deadline announced when rainwater harvesting was made obligatory last year, the Act was amended again, thus authorising the board to set a fresh deadline.

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