The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has decided to launch a drive to penalize large commercial and residential structures that fail to operate functional rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, as the city faces a severe water crisis driven by declining groundwater levels and reduced supply from the Narmada river.
Current Status of Rainwater Harvesting in Indore
While the IMC claims that over 1 lakh structures have already installed rainwater harvesting systems in the last four years, this number covers only a fraction of the city's estimated 8 lakh residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Under the Indore Municipal Corporation (Rainwater Harvesting) Bylaws, 2022, rainwater harvesting is mandatory for all existing and upcoming residential buildings with a footprint of at least 1,500 square feet, as well as all government and non-residential properties.
Penalty and Enforcement
Municipal commissioner Kshitij Singhal told TOI that the corporation would target large commercial violators with a statutory baseline penalty of Rs 5,000. Current data indicates that more than 50% of the city's 6,500 government-operated borewells have dried up, forcing the IMC to deploy a fleet of 79 municipal and 616 hired private tankers to maintain free water distribution.
Technical Specifications for Rainwater Harvesting Systems
The 2022 bylaws mandate specific technical dimensions based on structural footprints:
- Properties between 10,000 and 25,000 sq ft must install a harvesting pit with a 4-meter diameter and 15-meter depth.
- Properties exceeding 25,000 sq ft require a minimum 6-meter diameter pit.
The regulations also prohibit channelling rainwater into the municipal sewage system. Excess runoff must be directed into roadside storm drains. Violations incur a daily penalty of Rs 500, capped at a maximum of Rs 5,000.
Importance of Groundwater Replenishment
IMC emphasized that groundwater table replenishment remains the only viable alternative to offset the city's dependency on seasonal river pumping. The corporation urges all property owners to comply with the bylaws to help mitigate the water crisis.
Rainwater Harvesting: Do's and Don'ts
Recommended Practices
- Maintain roof cleanliness and clear debris regularly.
- Install a 'first-flush' system to divert initial contaminated runoff.
- Use concrete, galvanized iron, or food-grade plastics for tanks.
- Disinfect storage tanks using UV filtration prior to monsoon.
Prohibited Actions
- Avoid collecting water from roofs with toxic paint or asbestos.
- Do not permit initial or un-diverted runoff into the main storage tank.
- Do not leave filters, gutters, or tanks uncovered.
- Prevent contamination by keeping tanks isolated from septic lines.
