Bengaluru: Despite clear mandates on installing rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems, thousands of property owners in the city continue to remain non-compliant, resulting in hefty penalties.
According to the latest data from BWSSB, of the 11.1 lakh water connections in Bengaluru, about 2.5 lakh are required to have RWH but only 2.1 lakh have complied, leaving approximately 42,000 properties liable to be penalised. In Jan alone, the authorities collected Rs 2.7 crore in fines from such properties.
The report also highlights that while 267 govt buildings are yet to comply with the RWH mandate, a majority of the defaulters are private properties. BWSSB officials told TOI inspections will be intensified in the coming months to push for greater adoption of RWH systems.
BWSSB chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said, “The water board has actively implemented rainwater harvesting systems at 3,000 locations, including schools, parks, and other public spaces, wherever feasible. These installations serve as demonstration projects for visitors, inspiring them to adopt similar measures in their own spaces.”
Experts emphasise the need for stronger govt action and public awareness to ensure long-term water security. Raghavendra B Pachhapur, a water activist, said: “While almost 83% of the buildings have adhered to rainwater harvesting rules, groundwater table reports tell another story. BWSSB may need to audit the RWH structures once every five years to ensure their efficacy.”
Devaraja Reddy NJ, a hydrogeologist, said, “The first step in rainwater harvesting is storage, followed by groundwater recharge. Bengaluru receives 60-70 rainy days annually, making it crucial to maximise usage. At the time of construction, two tanks — one for rainwater and another for potable water — should be built for effective storage and recharge.”
“We’ve taken significant steps to incorporate rainwater harvesting in all govt offices. All BWSSB offices have adopted the system, and departments with available space have been instructed to implement it as well. Moving forward, we’re systematically identifying govt offices that still lack rainwater harvesting systems and taking steps to integrate them. By continuously monitoring and expanding these efforts, we aim to enhance water conservation awareness in public and private offices that still lack rainwater harvesting systems and take steps to integrate them,” said Manohar.