The Delhi government is planning to introduce a borewell policy in the city to address water shortage issues, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Friday. Speaking at the 'Catch the Rain' event organized by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) as part of the rainwater harvesting programme, Gupta outlined key provisions of the proposed policy.
Eligibility for Authorised Borewells
Gupta stated that only houses and residential colonies equipped with a properly functioning rainwater harvesting system would be eligible to obtain an authorised borewell. This condition aims to ensure that groundwater recharge is prioritised alongside extraction.
Incentives and Subsidies
The chief minister unveiled a dedicated mascot for the 'Catch the Rain' initiative and highlighted several incentives to promote rainwater harvesting. These include government subsidies of up to Rs 50,000, discounts of 10 to 15 per cent on water bills, and free technical assistance. Gupta emphasised that the goal is to make every home, rooftop, and institution an active participant in the effort.
Government Support
In a post on X, Gupta said, 'Steps like subsidies up to Rs 50,000 by the govt, discounts of 10 to 15% on water bills, and free technical assistance are accelerating this direction. Now the goal is to make every home, every rooftop, and every institution an active part of this effort.'
Water Minister's Remarks
Water Minister Parvesh Verma, who also participated in the event, stressed the need for time-bound implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in government establishments. He called for collective responsibility, stating, 'Time has come for every household and residential society to adopt rainwater harvesting. This is a collective responsibility shared by all. If we manage to save even a single litre of water each day, Delhi's future can be secured.'
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Verma warned that failure to comply with rainwater harvesting norms would invite strict action. He said, 'Failure to comply will invite strict action, an initial 10% cut will be imposed, and if lapses continue, the connection will be disconnected.' The proposed policy thus combines incentives with enforcement to ensure widespread adoption.
